Wood Fired Seafood Paella

Experience the vibrant flavours of Spain with our Wood-Fired Seafood Paella recipe. Crafted with a medley of fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and Arborio rice, this dish is a celebration of taste and texture. Suitable for intermediate chefs and gluten-free diets, it offers a delightful culinary adventure.

Ingredients

- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 pound mixed seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, and calamari), cleaned and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving

Recipe

1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to around 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large paella pan or skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and tomato, and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the Arborio rice to the pan, along with the saffron threads, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to coat the rice with the spices and toast for a minute or two.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and white wine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Once simmering, arrange the mixed seafood on top of the rice mixture in the paella pan.
7. Transfer the paella pan to the preheated wood-fired oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the seafood is cooked and opaque.
8. During the last few minutes of cooking, scatter the frozen peas over the paella and continue to cook until heated through.
9. Once cooked, remove the paella from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Duration to Cook - Approximately 20-25 minutes.

Chef Skill Level - Intermediate

Vegan - No

Vegetarian - No

Gluten-Free - Yes

Serving Suggestion

Serve the wood-fired seafood paella hot, straight from the pan, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic Spanish dish cooked to perfection in your wood-fired oven.