Servings: for 4 persons

Paella is even tastier when studded with delicious and fresh shrimp and mussels. This is traditional paella prepared using short grain rice which is said to be tricky to cook and takes a while to cook. When preparing this dish, make sure to look out for saffron which provides distinctive color as well as signature flavor. This is best served with spinach salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil

  • ½ cup of chopped red bell pepper and onion

  • 2 cups of instant brown rice

  • 2 cloves of garlic, make sure it is minced

  • 1 1/3 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • ½ teaspoon of dried thyme

  • ¼ teaspoon of  pepper (freshly ground)

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 larger pinch saffron

  • 1 cup of frozen green peas (thawed)

  • 1 pound mussels that are scrubbed well

  • 1 pound of deveined and peeled raw shrimps which is about 21 to 25 per pound

  • 4 lemon wedges but this  ingredient  is optional

     

Steps of Preparation

To ensure delicious quick paella, one needs to follow these steps when preparing this recipe:

  • Heat the ideal amount of oil on a large skillet over medium heat. You will then need to add garlic, onion and bell pepper and cook. You need to stir occasionally until vegetables are completely soft. This may take about three minutes. Add the broth, thyme, and peeper, salt, rice and saffron and allow it to boil over medium heat. Cover this properly and then cook for five minutes.
  • Stir in the peas and shrimps and place fresh mussels on top of your rice. Ensure that this is layered evenly. Cover, then continue cooking until mussels have already opened and the rice is completely tender. Cook for about five minutes more. Remove from heat and allow some rest, cover until most liquid are absorbed. You can serve this with some lemon wedges if you like.

When preparing quick paella with mussels and shrimps, you have to note that dried stigma coming from the Crocus Sativa-saffron actually adds golden color and flavor to varieties of European, African and Middle Eastern foods. You can find this on spice sections of many different gourmet shops, supermarkets or online stores.

When scrubbing mussels, you need to hold these on running water and then make use of a still brush to eliminate any barnacles. Pull of the black fibrous beards. You also need to discard the mussels with broken shells or the ones whose shell remained open upon tapping it.

Quick paella with mussels and shrimps is one of the healthy saffron recipes that you should try. This recipe will surely give your senses thrill and delight and will surely satisfy your cravings for fresh sea foods. If you are decided to cook this recipe, you have to make sure that all the needed ingredients are completely prepared and the needed amount should be followed accordingly.