Paella mixta is an iconic Spanish dish that combines seafood and meat for a burst of flavors. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this simple and detailed recipe will guide you step by step to prepare a successful paella. Discover the traditional method for making a paella mixta that will delight your guests.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE PAELLA MIXTA
For 4 to 6 people, you will need
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- 300g of paella rice (ideally short-grain rice)
- 500g of chicken (cut into pieces)
- 250g of shrimp (peeled)
- 250g of mussels (well cleaned)
- 200g of squid (cut into rings)
- 150g of green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
- 2 tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 750ml of chicken or fish broth
- 1 tablespoon of paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference)
- A pinch of saffron (or food coloring for a golden color)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon juice (for serving)
PREPARATION METHOD
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Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting all your ingredients into equal-sized pieces for even cooking. Clean the seafood well and Remove the skin the garlic and onion Peele . Also, prepare the hot broth.
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Cook the Meat
In a paella pan, heat some olive oil. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables
Place the chopped onion and garlic in the same pan and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Once the onion is cooked, add the diced bell pepper and chopped tomatoes, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices, blending the flavors together.
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Add Spices and Rice
Add the paprika and saffron (or coloring), stirring well to coat the vegetables with the spices. Next, add the rice, mixing thoroughly to ensure each grain is lightly golden and coated with oil and spices.
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Add the Broth
Pour in the hot broth (about 750ml) and return the chicken to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook without stirring for about 10 minutes. It’s essential not to stir the rice to achieve the characteristic texture of paella.
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Add the Seafood
After 10 minutes, add the shrimp, squid, and mussels. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes. By this time, the rice should be almost cooked and have absorbed the liquid. If necessary, add a little more broth or water to finish cooking.
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Finish Cooking and Serve
Once the rice is cooked and the seafood is fully opened (the mussels should be open), remove the paella from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld.
Serve your paella mixta hot, with a wedge of lemon for a fresh touch.
Tips for Making a Perfect Paella Mixta
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Choosing the right rice
It is crucial to use rice specifically for paella. Bomba rice is ideal because it absorbs the broth perfectly without breaking.
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Do not stir the rice
One of the key rules for a successful paella is never to stir the rice during cooking.
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Use a good broth
Chicken or fish broth adds more depth of flavor to your paella. Customize the ingredients: Paella mixta can be adapted to your preferences. Add seasonal vegetables or other seafood based on your taste.
Conclusion
Paella mixta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of meats and seafood in perfect harmony. Follow this simple recipe and you’ll have a paella worthy of the best Spanish tables. Don’t forget to enjoy this dish with a refreshing mojito or a squeeze of lemon for an authentic experience.