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Easy Seafood Paella with Aioli: A Taste of Spain at Home

Paella, a hallmark of Spanish cuisine, originates from the region of Valencia and is known for its vibrant colours and hearty flavours. Traditionally made with a mixture of proteins—such as chicken, rabbit, and seafood—this easy seafood paella recipe brings the Mediterranean spirit to your kitchen without the fuss. Paired with a creamy, garlicky aioli, this dish promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Spain.

Ingredients

For the Seafood Paella

• 300 g paella rice (such as Bomba or Arborio)
• 700 ml fish stock
• 200 g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 200 g mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
• 150 g squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• A pinch of saffron (optional, for colour)
• 3-4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Aioli

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 150 ml olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt, to taste

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Aioli

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, egg yolk, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the mixture emulsifies and thickens. This may take a bit of patience, but the result is worth it!
3. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Set aside, so the flavours can meld while you prepare the paella.

Step 2: Cook the Paella

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or a wide, shallow frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add the paella rice to the pan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps to impart a nutty flavour to the rice.
4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and saffron (if using), and pour in the fish stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then let it cook without stirring for about 10 minutes. Arrange the seafood—prawns, mussels, and squid—on top of the rice, pressing them down gently into the liquid.
6. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and the seafood is cooked through. If the rice appears dry, you can add a splash more stock or water as needed.
7. Once cooked, remove the pan from heat, cover with a clean tea towel or foil, and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Serve

1. Fluff the paella gently with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
2. Don’t forget your homemade aioli for that extra touch of richness and flavour.

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: The flavour of your paella is heavily reliant on the quality of the seafood and stock you use, so opt for fresh ingredients when possible.
• Serving: Paella is often served directly from the pan, giving it a rustic, authentic feel. Gather your friends and family around to enjoy a communal meal!
• Experimenting: Feel free to adjust the seafood mix according to your preferences or what’s available. Scallops or fish fillets can make delightful additions.

Conclusion

This easy seafood paella with aioli is a fantastic dish for both an intimate family dinner or a gathering with friends. Bursting with flavour and a feast for the eyes, it’s both a treat and a hearty meal that brings a touch of Spain to your dining table. With minimal fuss and maximum flavour, you’ll find it hard to resist making this dish again and again. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and indulge in a delightful Spanish escape without leaving your home!

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