Mediterranean Seafood Paella (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the rice base

01 - 4 cups of seafood stock
02 - 2 cups of Arborio or Bomba rice
03 - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon of saffron threads soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water
05 - 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
06 - 1/4 teaspoon of salt

→ For the seafood and veggies

07 - 250 g of cleaned, deveined shrimp
08 - 1 medium onion finely chopped
09 - 1 bell pepper sliced into strips
10 - 250 g of squid rings
11 - 250 g of cleaned mussels
12 - 3 minced garlic cloves
13 - 1/2 cup of frozen peas
14 - 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes
15 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil
16 - 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 1 lemon cut into wedges

# Instructions:

01 - Turn the heat to medium and pour olive oil into a large paella pan. Mix in onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Give it time to soften up.
02 - Add smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and the rice. Coat the grains evenly with the spices.
03 - Drizzle the seafood stock, saffron water, and tomatoes into the pan. Stir gently to combine.
04 - Lower the heat and keep the pan uncovered. Leave it alone for 20 minutes to cook without stirring.
05 - Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and squid over the rice. Cover with a lid or foil and let it cook another 10-15 minutes until shellfish open up and shrimp turn pink.
06 - Sprinkle peas and parsley across the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then serve.

# Notes:

01 - A traditional paella pan, also called a paellera, is ideal for cooking this dish.
02 - Saffron is what gives this dish its signature golden hue.