Go Back
Homemade Paella Valenciana recipe photo

Paella Valenciana

This Paella Valenciana is a vibrant celebration of Spanish flavors! Packed with chicken, rabbit, and fresh vegetables, it's a dish to impress!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Spanish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil high-quality
  • 1/2 whole chicken deboned and cut into pieces
  • 1/2 whole rabbit (optional)
  • 1 head garlic cloves separated and peeled
  • 1 medium tomato finely chopped
  • 1 cup butter beans
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 6 cups water
  • to taste salt
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 1 pinch dried thyme
  • 1 pinch dried rosemary
  • 3 cups short-grain white rice

Equipment

  • Paella pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Heat-resistant spatula

Method
 

  1. In your paella pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the deboned chicken and rabbit pieces, browning them evenly on all sides. Once they are golden, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Add the finely chopped tomato and cook until it softens, releasing its juices.
  3. Stir in the butter beans, green peas, and trimmed green beans. Sauté the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. This will deepen the color and flavor of your paella.
  5. Pour in the short-grain white rice and give it a good stir to coat the grains with the oil and spices. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
  6. Add the 6 cups of water, along with the saffron threads, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Do not stir the rice during this time, as the bottom layer should develop a crispy crust known as "socarrat."
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle. Serve your Paella Valenciana straight from the pan, garnished with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

Notes

  • Prep ingredients a day ahead for easier cooking.
  • Consider adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.