Delia Smith Paella

Delia Smith’s Paella is made with Calasparra paella rice, saffron strands, ripe red tomatoes, tiger prawns, fresh or frozen shelled peas, and Spanish chorizo sausage. This delicious paella recipe creates a hearty dinner that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Delia Smith Paella Ingredients

• 12 oz (350 g) Calasparra paella rice
• ½ level teaspoon saffron strands (½ x 0.4 g sachet)
• 8 oz (225 g) ripe red tomatoes, skinned and roughly diced
• 12 raw tiger prawns, shell on, defrosted if frozen, 4 with heads, 8 without
• 2 oz (50 g) fresh or frozen shelled peas
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, to garnish
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 x 3 lb (1.35 kg) Traditional Free Range chicken, jointed into 8 pieces
• 1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped into chunks
• 4 oz (110 g) Spanish chorizo sausage in a piece, skin removed and cut into ½ inch (1 cm) dice
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 heaped teaspoon paprika
• ¼ level teaspoon of cayenne pepper

How To Make Delia Smith Paella

1. Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a pan over a fairly high heat. Season the chicken joints and sauté 4 at a time until golden brown, then remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
2. Cook the vegetables and chorizo: Add onion, pepper, and chorizo to the pan. Fry over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until tinged brown. Add garlic, paprika, cayenne, and saffron, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Simmer the base: Return the chicken to the pan. Add tomatoes, seasoning, and 2 pints (1.2 liters) of boiling water. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
4. Add the rice: Remove the chicken and set aside. Add rice to the pan, bring to a boil, stir, and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally, adjusting its position if needed.
5. Finish cooking: Return chicken, prawns, and peas to the pan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Add more hot liquid if necessary. Turn prawns halfway through; they should turn pink.
6. Check the rice: Test the rice from the edges for doneness. Remove from heat, and cover with a clean tea towel for 5 minutes.
7. Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately on hot plates.

Recipe Tips

• Use Calasparra rice: For the best texture, use Calasparra rice, which is designed specifically for paella and absorbs flavors well.
• Cook the chicken in batches: Sauté the chicken pieces in batches to ensure they brown evenly and develop a rich flavor.
• Adjust heat carefully: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding the rice to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Monitor the liquid level: Add more hot water if needed to keep the rice moist, but avoid stirring too much to maintain a good texture.
• Let it rest before serving: Allow the paella to rest for 5 minutes covered with a tea towel after cooking to help the flavors meld and the rice finish cooking.

What To Serve With Paella?

This hearty paella pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It also can be served alongside olives, pickled vegetables, or a light, citrusy coleslaw for a delicious dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Paella?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover paella cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool the paella completely, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers Paella?

• In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the paella in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is warmed through.
• In The Microwave: Place the paella in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• On The Stove: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan, then add the paella. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Delia Smith Paella Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)

• Calories: 500
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 60g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Beef Wellington
• Delia Smith Sherry Trifle
• Delia Smith Fisherman Pie
• Delia Smith Salmon And Broccoli Quiche