In the blogging world, you peruse Pinterest…a lot for ideas!!! Easy Mixed Seafood Paella was born of my perusing!
This year we have all at one time or another had plenty of time to peruse Pinterest.
While large gatherings are not a good idea at this time, hopefully someday soon. I think parties will be a big deal once we get past this pandemic. Easy Mixed Seafood Paella will make a perfect show-stopping dish for your first Soiree – loose translation dinner party!
You all know that I have a thing for Instacart and Aldi’s. So Aldi sells a line of kitchen things, including cookware under the brand name Crofton. If you know anything about Aldi, you know if you see something, grab it because you may not find it again. Such was the case for a paella pan.
I’m not sure why I thought I needed one? It’s not like I make it regularly or ever…..but I bought it anyway. Tim and I have found this cookware to be some of our favorites; bonus, it’s really inexpensive. If I’m going to impulsively something I may use occasionally, I’m not going to spend a butt load of money….just saying.
So, I have had this pan for several months, and while on Pinterest one day, I saw a paella recipe. If you are familiar(and let’s be real, who isn’t) with Pinterest, you know that you are off on a tangent once you look at one thing.
During this pandemic, I have become a proficient online shopper, and since Walmart pick-up and Aldi delivery are my choices, I use them both. I am also, as we know, am an impulse buyer. Aldi’s frozen tuna is excellent, and I saw a seafood medley and impulsively purchased it, having no idea what I would use it for?
Two impulse buys made for a really excellent recipe.
I wanted to make a paella recipe that was easy to have the ingredients on hand and quick to whip up. While I know, fresh is best at this time, that’s not always possible.
Having frozen and pantry items on hand gives you many options. These days options help keep the boredom away.
For this recipe, frozen seafood, canned tomatoes, and a packaged rice mix came together in what I think for a first paella attempt was perfect.
If you cannot find the seafood mix (it’s a limited time product at Aldi’s), you can use shrimp or any mixture of frozen or fresh seafood that equals 2 pounds. Same with the mussels.
I also found a yellow rice mixture that has saffron already in it. Saffron is slightly expensive, and since I wasn’t sure I would ever use it again, it made sense to buy the mix. The mix turned out to be good. I used Vigo brand, but any yellow rice mix would work as long as it was a one-pound package.
In about 30 minutes you can have a delicious, easy dinner. Best of all, it is pretty and looks fancy without being fancy.
I think this would make a great Christmas Eve dinner.
If you are looking for an easy paella recipe, try our Easy Mixed Seafood Paella.
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Easy Mixed Seafood Paella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
A quick and easy paella using freezer and pantry items. Pretty & can be served straight from the pan.
Ingredients
1 – 1 pound package frozen seafood medley (shrimp, calamari, scallops, mussels)
1 pound frozen mussels, thawed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
8 ounces chorizo, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–14 ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
½ cup dry white wine
3–½ cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
1 – 1 pound package saffron yellow rice (brand name Vigo)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 medium lemons cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat a large paella pan(mine is 15inches)(alternately, you can use a large skillet) over moderate-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook until slightly brown and fat has been rendered, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl and set aside.
If the chorizo does not render enough fat, add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes and their juice and cook until the mixture has slightly darkened in color, about 3 minutes. Add the rice mixture stirring to coat in the tomato mixture.
Add the wine and stir until absorbed. Add the chicken stock, stirring to combine, making the rice mixture in an even layer. Place the chorizo evenly over the top of the rice mixture, cover the pan and simmer on medium-low heat. Do not stir from this point on. Cook for about 12 minutes; most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Add the seafood mixture and mussels to the pan, tucking them into the rice. Cover and continue to cook on a low simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
To serve, top with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon wedges.
Keywords: seafood, mussels, rice, paella, quick, easy, dinner
