Chicken Paella

Chicken Paella

Paella is a spanish delicacy and I created an Indian version. It is spicy, tangy and colorful. Traditionally paella made with Bomba, a type of short grain rice. Instead I use basmati rice, which compliments the ingredients and adds flavour. Cooking with Iron skillet helps us achieve similar taste to the Pealle plate . Quick and easy recipe when I have unexpected guests. They always go back with happy memories

Check YouTube video to see how its made : https://youtu.be/SDcYvvNvOLo

Serves 4 to 5 people

Cooking time : 25 to 30 mins

Ingredients

1. Chicken - 2 lbs (900 gms)

2. Basmati Rice - 400 gms

3. Green beans - 1 cup

4. Artichoke hearts - 1 cup

5. Chopped Rosemary fresh - 2 tbsp or Dried 3 tbsp (4 gms)

6. Minced Garlic - 2 tbsp

7. Saffron - 1 pinch

8. Smoked paprika - 1 tsp

9. Kasmiri chilli powder - 1 tsp

10. Black pepper - ½ tsp

11. Turmeric - ¼ tsp (optional)

12. Chicken stock - 800 ml

13. Vinegar - ½ tbsp

14. Shallots - ¼ cup

Required Utensils

Paella plate or Iron skillet

Spatula

Steps

1. Heat the iron skillet over medium heat.

2. Add olive oil, garlic and rosemary. Saute until the garlic turns golden.

3. Now it's time to sear the chicken over high flame. Season it with salt, pepper and turmeric. This will take 5 to 7 mins, turn it over after 2 to 3 mins.

4. Add Artichoke heart and green beans, let it cook for 2 mins till the beans are slightly tender.

5. Reduce the flame to medium and add tomato, shallots and rice to the skillet. Mix them well.

6. In another pan add chicken stock, vinegar, pinch of saffron and salt for the rice and heat it.

7. Rice will take close to 5 mins to get warm. Touch the rice to see if it's warm then add chicken stock to the rice mixture. Tip: Add the stock in batches to avoid splatter.

8. Add a little bit of extra flavour by another pinch of rosemary and cover the skillet with foil. Cook this over low flames for 6 to 8 mins.

9. After 6 mins check the rice, lift up the rice and check if it's watery. If watery let it cook for few more minutes and try again

10. After all the water has evaporated. Let's check the rice, pick a rice and try squishing it. Cooked rice will lose its shape. If undercooked, sprinkle little hot water and let it cook for some more time.

11. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil (optional) on top and enjoy with friends and family (not optional :) )