Vegetable
Paella
(serves
4)
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Soak: |
| a |
pinch |
or three of saffron |
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in: |
| 1/2 |
c |
white wine, warmed |
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Heat a 14" paella pan over a medium-high
flame, add: |
| 3 |
T |
olive oil |
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and saute the sofrito: |
| 1 |
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yellow or white onion, diced |
| 2 |
cloves |
garlic, minced |
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When the onions are translucent, stir
in: |
| 1 |
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tomato, halved, grated, skin discarded |
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and cook until the water from the tomato
has evaporated. Then add: |
| 1 1/2 |
c |
rice, Valencian, Arborio, or other
medium-grained variety |
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and stir to coat the rice thoroughly. |
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Add: |
| 1/2 |
t |
smoked paprika |
| 1/2 |
t |
salt |
| 1 1/2 |
c |
vegetable or mushroom stock,
or water, heated near to boiling |
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the white wine & saffron mixture |
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Stir the pot (for the last time) and lower
the heat to maintain a slow boil. As the rice cooks, add: |
| 1 1/2 |
c |
stock or water, heated |
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and arrange into it: |
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red bell pepper strips, fresh or
roasted |
| 1/4 |
c |
fresh peas (or green beans, chopped
into 2" pieces) |
| 1/2 |
c |
sliced mushrooms, sauteed |
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tomato or sweet onion wedges |
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When all the stock and vegetables have
been added, cover the paella with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 15
minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Place the paella back on a
low burner, uncover it, and decorate it with: |
| |
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lemon wedges |
| 1/4 |
c |
fresh parsley, chopped |
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Serve immediately, or let it sit on a
low heat long enough to nearly scorch the rice on the bottom of the pan.
This caramelized rice is called the socarrat, and is considered
a great delicacy. |
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Buen Provecho! |
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Notes &
Variations:
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Be sure to read the notes on making
paella.
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A sauteed portobello mushroom cap, cut into
wedges, would be a lovely addition.
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Some cooks add artichoke hearts to paella.
Use canned or frozen ones if you like, or saute freshly-cleaned
artichoke hearts in olive oil, then add several tablespoons of stock,
cover, and steam them until the liquid is absorbed.
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Lima beans, white beans, or garbanzo beans
may be added.
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Any combination of meats, seafood, and vegetables
can be delicious. Check out our Paella
Valenciana and Seafood Paella recipes
for ideas.
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