Delicious Seafood Paella

 Here's a recipe for a delicious seafood paella, a classic Spanish dish that's sure to impress your guests. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups bomba or Calasparra rice (short-grain Spanish rice)

- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid, and/or lobster tails)

- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, sliced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

- 1/2 cup frozen green peas

- 1 1/2 tsp saffron threads, crushed and soaked in 2 tbsp hot water

- 1 tsp sweet paprika

- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón)

- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)

- 4 cups chicken or fish broth

- 1/2 cup dry white wine

- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Lemon wedges for garnish

- Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare your seafood by cleaning, peeling, and deveining the shrimp. If using mussels and clams, scrub and debeard them. Clean and slice the squid if using. Season the seafood lightly with salt and set aside.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and sauté until it starts to release its flavor and the oils are released.

3. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onion is translucent.

4. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika (both sweet and smoked), cayenne pepper, and saffron threads along with the soaking liquid. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release the fragrance of the spices.

5. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the flavors in the pan. Allow it to toast for 1-2 minutes.

6. Pour in the white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

7. Now, pour in the chicken or fish broth, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the rice has absorbed some of the liquid and starts to soften.

8. Carefully arrange the seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid, lobster tails) and green peas over the rice. Push them gently into the rice, distributing them evenly.

9. Cover the paella pan with aluminum foil or a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the paella simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the seafood is fully cooked.

10. Once done, remove the paella from heat and let it rest for a few minutes, covered, to allow the flavors to meld.

11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your seafood paella! It's a beautiful, flavorful dish that's perfect for special occasions.