| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 600 | 21g | 3g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 6g | 45g | 2g |
One dish that consistently wins the hearts of my family is the fruit-infused Grains of Selim and Seafood Paella. With my Italian roots running deep, I’ve developed an appreciation for diversified dishes, and this paella, inspired by Spanish culinary traditions but with a twist, does wonders.
Traditions Meet Innovations
Much like the one-pot dishes my Nonna used to prepare, a flavorful Seafood Paella is crafted layer by layer. The heartiness of a traditional Italian pasta and the vividness of a Paella merge excellently, taking on a unique character when enhanced with the Grains of Selim, a West-African spice known for its pungency and slightly bitter undertone that superbly complements the seafood.
A Dish Packed With Benefits
What I cherish about this joyful concoction is not just its depth of flavor but also its impressive health profile. Seafood, a primary ingredient in this dish, is well-known for its rich Omega-3 fatty acids – a boon for heart health. Furthermore, the Grains of Selim contain antioxidant properties, transforming an already great dish into a health-boosting meal (source).
The addition of a colorful array of veggies, such as bell peppers and onions offer a delightful crunch, not to mention, a host of vitamins and minerals. The pairing of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil not only rounds up the freshness but also aids in maximum nutrient absorption.
The dish comes alive with flavors and health benefits, keeping everyone, from the kids to a fitness enthusiast, eager for more.
When to Serve
The versatility of Grains of Selim and Seafood Paella is its unsung hero. The richness of flavors married with its nutritional balance indeed makes it a wonderful standalone dish. It’s a splendid centerpiece for relaxed family dinners or sophisticated dinner parties alike – a true showstopper, if you will.
If you’re looking for a pairing, a lighter side such as a zesty lemon-herb salad or warm, crusty garlic bread makes for a delightful complement.
Every mouthful of this Paella is an enthusiastic nod to my Italian heritage whilst gallivanting tastefully in the global culinary playground. All said and done, it’s the smile on my loved ones’ faces that makes me go back to this recipe, time and again, filling more than just their stomachs.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of short-grain Spanish rice
- 6 cups of seafood/fish stock
- 18 mussels, cleaned
- 12 large shrimps, peeled and deveined
- 12 scallops
- 1 large squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1.5 cups of canned diced tomatoes
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground Grains of Selim
- 1 teaspoon of saffron threads
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and allow them to sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the short-grain Spanish rice to the pan and stir well to ensure that all of the grains are coated with the oil. Sauté the rice for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.
Step Three
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Grains of Selim, saffron threads, and salt and pepper to taste. Combine all the ingredients well and let them cook for a few more minutes.
Step Four
Pour in the seafood stock, stirring it through the rice. Let this mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, covering the pan and letting it cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step Five
Add the mussels, shrimp, scallops and squid at this point, submerging them in the rice. Cover the pan again and let it cook on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mussels have opened and the other seafood is thoroughly cooked.
Step Six
Finally, stir through the frozen peas, fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Cover the pan for one last time and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the peas to warm through and the flavors to fully meld together.
Step Seven
Your Grains of Selim and Seafood Paella is now ready to be served. Ensure that it is served hot, garnishing it with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
