Had my introductory lesson in making Paella. Alfonso told me that he was going to be coming over the house to show me how to cook traditional paella. He surprised me by bringing me my own pan. We cooked side by side the grill on a gorgeous day. Our paella was spectacular if I do say so myself. I can’t wait to get back to Arizona to share this new dish for family and friends. Alfonso has promised me a couple more lessons over the next few months.
Here are some of my notes on how to make paella. Credit must go to Alfonso – he really walked me through the process step-by-step
· Add enough olive oil to just about coat the bottom of the pan
· Chop
o 1 red pepper and
o 2 green peppers (Spanish green pepper looks more like a Serrano chili)
o Cut into large pieces after removing membrane and seeds.
o Add 2 – 3 large whole cloves of garlic
· Sauté vegetables 1 – 2 minutes
· Add 1 lb of chicken thigh and ½ of a rabbit cut up. Include rabbit liver and kidneys
o Brown on both sides of the meat
· Can add saffron here
o Lightly toast saffron and immediately add chicken stock
· Add 2 liters of chicken stock
· Simmer 30 – 40 minutes.
· Add tomato sauce about half way through
o Tomato sauce is made with stewed tomatoes and cooked onion (puréed into the sauce)
o Add 2 sprigs of rosemary (if including rabbit)
· If you haven’t already added saffron - add saffron now .12 g
· Add Eggplant (about one whole eggplant) chopped into large full circular pieces about ¼ inch thick
o Can also add green beans as well as artichokes
o Note if vegetables are large add before rice, if smaller add after rice.
· Simmer 30 minutes or more adding extra chicken stock or H20
· The longer you leave the vegetables cook the better
· Let simmer about another 20 – 30 minutes
· Add medium grain (Spanish) rice about 1 handful per person (~11 for my pan)
· Leave for about 1 – 2 minutes before adding h20
· Add H2O to underside of rivet in pan
· When H2O begins to boil cook for about 15 minutes
o Probably will need to increase heat to get to a boil
· Check for flavor after 15 minutes (salt can be added if necessary)
· Take off flame and cover with towel for 5 – 10 minutes
· Enjoy!!!
1 comment:
it doesn't say when you should add the rice!?! haha
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