Why Chorizo Paella Is Your New Go-To Dish
Not only is Chorizo Paella super easy to make, but it’s bursting with the smoky, spicy goodness of chorizo, balanced by the tangy, briny bite of Sicilian green olives, and the sweetness of roasted red peppers. It’s like a one-way ticket to Spain – without the airfare! 🇪🇸
Paella might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s a no-fuss dish that’ll have you looking like a culinary superstar in front of your friends and family. If you haven’t cooked with chorizo before, now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon. And let’s not forget – it’s all made in one pan! 🙌
The secret to an unforgettable Chorizo Paella lies in a few simple, yet quality, ingredients. I’ve got some tips that will make this dish shine every time:
- The Chorizo: A good Spanish chorizo is key. It adds that signature smoky flavour that’s balanced with a bit of spice. Make sure to grab a high-quality variety from your deli – you won’t regret it!
- The Olives: I’m obsessed with Always Fresh Sicilian Green Olives – they’re perfectly salty and add a gorgeous contrast to the richness of the dish. Plus, they bring that Mediterranean vibe straight to your plate.
- The Rice: Arborio rice is my go-to for this recipe. Yes, it’s typically used for risotto, but it works wonders in paella too. It soaks up all the flavours beautifully while maintaining a little bite, which is exactly what you want in a good paella.
- The Stock and Wine Combo: Using both beef stock and white wine gives the paella depth and richness. Don’t have white wine? No worries – just add extra stock, and it’ll still be delish. 🍷
- The Veggies: Roasted red peppers from a jar (like those from Always Fresh) are a lifesaver! They’re full of flavour and save you the time of roasting your own. Add in some parsley at the end for a pop of freshness, and you’re golden.
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Spanish Fiesta! 🎉
This Chorizo Paella is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for serving with a few simple sides to complete the meal. Here’s how I like to pair it:
- Lemon Wedges: A must! A good squeeze of lemon over the top brightens up the whole dish.
- Crusty Bread: A crusty baguette or sourdough is ideal for mopping up all the delicious juices left behind. 🥖
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crunchy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the rich flavours of the paella.
- Sangria or Spanish White Wine: Let’s make it a fiesta! A fruity sangria or a chilled glass of Spanish white wine like Albariño pairs beautifully with the smoky chorizo and olives.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chorizo Paella Every Time 🌟
- Don’t Stir Too Much: Once you’ve added the stock and wine, resist the urge to stir. Paella traditionally develops a crispy bottom layer of rice called “socarrat,” which is pure magic! Stirring will prevent that golden crust from forming.
- Taste As You Go: Check the seasoning! Depending on how salty your stock or olives are, you might need to add a pinch of salt or a grind of pepper.
- Adjust the Liquid: If you find the rice isn’t quite done but the liquid has been absorbed, simply add an extra 1/2 cup of water (or stock) and let it simmer for a few more minutes. You want that rice to be tender, not crunchy.
- Use a Wide, Shallow Pan: If you don’t have a paella pan, use your largest frying pan. The key is to allow the rice to spread out and cook evenly. Don’t use a deep pot – it’ll trap too much moisture.
- Garnish with Love: Fresh parsley and lemon are your finishing touches – they not only make the dish look beautiful but also add layers of flavour.
Other Recipes You’ll Love 💛
If you enjoyed this Chorizo Paella, why not try some of my other favourite one-pan meals?
So there you have it, friends! A delicious, easy-to-make Chorizo Paella that’ll transport your tastebuds straight to Spain. Whether you’re cooking it for a quiet night in or serving it up at your next dinner party, this dish is bound to impress. Happy cooking! 🥘✨
Share Your Creations! 📸
If you make this Chorizo Paella, I’d love to see how it turns out! Snap a pic and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – nothing makes me happier than seeing your delicious creations. 🍴
Chorizo Paella
- Author: Steph de Sousa
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey there, food lovers! 🥘 I just whipped up a delightful Chorizo and Olive Paella and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Super easy to make and bursting with flavours – thanks to my secret weapon, the #blandidote: Always Fresh Sicilian Green Olives and Roasted Red Pepper Strips. Here’s how to get this scrumptious dish on your table for an easy mid week meal:
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan, toss in onion and chorizo. Cook until caramelized. 😋
- Mix in garlic, turmeric, and rice. Stir for a minute.
- Pour in wine, stock, parsley, olives, and peppers. Give it a stir, cover with a lid.
- After 5 minutes, uncover, reduce heat to medium. Cook until liquid’s gone and rice is soft. Tip: If rice isn’t soft and liquid’s gone, add 1/2 cup water.
- Serve it up with lemon wedges. 🍋 Enjoy!
This dish is everything! A blend of authentic flavours and pure deliciousness. Dive in and let your taste buds do the happy dance!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the paella a few hours ahead and gently reheat it on the stove before serving. Just add a splash of stock to loosen it up if needed.
Definitely! If you don’t have chorizo on hand, a spicy Italian sausage or even a smoked sausage will work. Just keep in mind that the flavour will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Absolutely. You can swap out the chorizo for extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. For a boost of flavour, add a pinch of smoked paprika to replicate that signature chorizo smokiness.
Hi, I'm Steph!
I turned a lifelong passion for food into a career as a professional chef, stopping in the Masterchef kitchen along the way. My goal is to inspire everyone to learn to love cooking, using basic pantry ingredients and fresh local produce to create delicious dishes.