The Best Paella Recipe for a Spanish Feast at Home

Spanish paella brings vibrant colors and rich flavors to your dinner table, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this iconic dish in Valencia’s sun-drenched kitchens.

Fragrant saffron and tender rice create a harmonious blend that captures Mediterranean spirit.

Seafood, chicken, and vegetables mingle beautifully in one spectacular pan.

Each ingredient tells a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through decades.

Skilled chefs know the secret lies in patience and precise heat control.

One bite transports you straight to coastal Spain’s warm, inviting atmosphere.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate an authentic gastronomic experience.

Fresh Takes On Delia Smith Paella

• Seafood-Only Paella: Replace chicken and chorizo with mixed seafood like mussels, calamari, and scallops for a lighter marine version.
• Vegetarian Paella: Swap meats with grilled artichokes, bell peppers, asparagus, and plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a hearty vegetable-packed dish.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Paella: Use gluten-free rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Paella: Reduce salt content by using sodium-free broth, fresh herbs for flavor, and selecting low-sodium proteins to support heart-healthy cooking.

What Tastes Great With Delia Smith Paella

• Pair Crisp Spanish Albariño: Refreshing white wine with citrus and mineral notes that perfectly complements the seafood and rich flavors of paella.
• Serve Zesty Sangria: Fruity red wine punch with oranges, apples, and a hint of cinnamon that matches the Spanish coastal vibe of the dish.
• Complement with Manchego Salad: Sharp Spanish cheese and crisp greens create a light, tangy side that balances the paella's intense flavors.
• Toast with Cava Sparkling Wine: Elegant Spanish bubbly that cuts through the dish's richness and adds a celebratory touch to the meal.

Saving And Reheating Delia Smith Paella Properly

• Store leftover paella in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing if shrimp is overcooked.
• Place paella in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm paella in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water. Stir gently to prevent burning and restore moisture.

Delia Smith Paella FAQs Made Simple

• What is socarrat in paella?

Socarrat is the prized crispy, caramelized rice layer at the bottom of the paella pan, created by carefully managing heat during the final cooking stage, which adds a delicious toasted flavor and crunchy texture.

• Why use short-grain rice for paella?

Short-grain rice like bomba or calasparra absorbs more liquid while maintaining its shape, creating the perfect texture and ability to develop the signature socarrat without becoming mushy.

• Do I need a special pan to make paella?

While traditional paella requires a wide, shallow paella pan for optimal rice cooking and socarrat formation, you can successfully make paella in a large, wide skillet with similar heat distribution principles.

Why Everyone Loves Delia Smith Paella

• Craft Authentic Spanish Cuisine: Dive into a traditional paella that brings the vibrant flavors of Spain right to your kitchen, letting you experience a true culinary journey without leaving home.
• Master Layered Flavor Building: Learn how to develop deep, complex tastes by carefully browning meats, caramelizing vegetables, and using aromatic spices like saffron and paprika.
• Create Impressive One-Pan Wonder: Prepare a stunning meal that looks restaurant-quality but requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a special family dinner.
• Flexible Protein Adventure: Customize your paella by swapping or adding different proteins like chicken, chorizo, and shrimp, allowing you to experiment and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Everything That Goes Into Delia Smith Paella

• Chorizo: A spicy Spanish sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor to the paella.
• Chicken: Tender meat that provides a hearty protein component to the dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate sweetness to the paella.

• Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that create a deep, sweet base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that builds a robust flavor foundation.
• Paprika: Warm spice that adds depth and traditional Spanish character.
• Saffron: Luxurious spice that gives the paella its signature golden color and distinctive taste.

• Broth: Flavorful liquid that cooks the rice and infuses the entire dish with richness.
• Rice: Traditional short-grain rice that absorbs the flavors and creates the classic paella texture.

• Lemon: Citrus fruit that provides a bright, fresh contrast to the rich paella.
• Oil: Cooking medium used for sautéing and building initial flavors.

Easy Cooking Guide For Delia Smith Paella

Step 1: Sizzle Chorizo

Heat oil in a large paella pan and quickly brown the chorizo until it releases its vibrant red oils. Remove and set aside, leaving behind a flavorful base.

Step 2: Perfectly Brown Chicken

Season the chicken pieces and brown them in the same pan. Move the chicken to the side once golden and crispy.

Step 3: Develop Flavor Base

Caramelize fresh tomatoes and minced garlic in the pan, creating a rich and aromatic foundation for the paella.

Step 4: Awaken Spices

Sprinkle in paprika and saffron, stirring to release their intense flavors and colors throughout the pan.

Step 5: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour in rich chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Gently add rice across the pan’s surface.

Step 6: Spread Rice Evenly

Stir the rice once to distribute evenly, then spread it out in a uniform layer across the pan.

Step 7: Master the Rice Cooking Technique

Cook on high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to medium heat for 5 minutes, and finally simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Add Seafood Finale

Nestle shrimp into the rice and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes until they turn pink and curl.

Step 9: Listen for Socarrat

Pay attention to the crackling sound from the bottom of the pan, indicating the formation of the prized crispy rice crust.

Step 10: Rest and Garnish

Allow the paella to rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh lemon wedges before serving.

Smart Cooking Tips For Delia Smith Paella

• Sizzle Chorizo Strategically: Brown chorizo quickly to prevent burning and release maximum flavor without overcooking.
• Control Rice Texture: Spread rice evenly and avoid stirring after initial mix to achieve perfect paella consistency and develop crispy bottom layer.
• Master Heat Zones: Follow precise heat stages (high, medium, low) to ensure rice cooks uniformly and develops authentic socarrat.
• Select Premium Saffron: Use high-quality Spanish saffron for genuine flavor and rich golden color that defines traditional paella.
• Choose Authentic Pan: Use a wide, shallow paella pan to maximize rice surface area and promote even cooking and caramelization.

Paella Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spanish culinary magic comes alive in this authentic Paella, blending saffron-infused rice with succulent seafood and tender meats. Rich coastal flavors transport you directly to Valencia’s sun-drenched kitchens, promising a memorable dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound Spanish chorizo, chunky chopped
• 1 pound chicken thighs, chopped
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons saffron threads
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• Kosher salt

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 plum tomatoes, grated
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups (400 grams) bomba rice
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Sizzle chorizo in hot oil until crisp and golden, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Season chicken pieces, sear in the same pan until rich brown color develops.
3. Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes, allowing them to caramelize and release deep flavors.
4. Sprinkle paprika and crumble saffron threads into the pan, stirring to distribute evenly.
5. Pour in warm broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
6. Gently scatter rice across the pan, ensuring even distribution without stirring.
7. Cook at high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to medium for another 5 minutes.
8. Lower heat to a gentle simmer, allowing rice to absorb liquid for 15 minutes.
9. Nestle shrimp into the rice, continue cooking for additional 10 minutes until seafood is opaque.
10. Listen for the signature crackling sound of socarrat forming at the bottom of the pan.
11. Remove from heat, let paella rest for 5 minutes to settle flavors.
12. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges before serving, squeezing juice tableside for brightness.

Notes

• Sizzle chorizo briefly to avoid burning, keeping its rich flavor intact without losing texture.
• Select high-quality Spanish chorizo for authentic taste and deep smoky undertones.
• Create crispy bottom (socarrat) by listening for gentle crackling sound, indicating perfect rice caramelization.
• Adapt recipe easily for vegetarians by replacing meat with roasted vegetables like artichokes and bell peppers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 533
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg