Vibrant, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients, tomato paella with onions, mussels, and shrimp is a dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. This classic Spanish dish combines perfectly cooked rice with the rich, savory flavors of seafood, making it the ideal meal for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Let’s get ready to create this mouthwatering paella that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat!
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 4
Ingredients:
For the Paella:
- 1 ½ cups (300g) Arborio or short-grain rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tsp tomato concentrate
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric or saffron threads
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) dry white wine
- 6 tiger shrimp
- 9 mussels, cleaned
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
Prepare the Base of the Paella:
- Heat olive oil in a large, shallow paella pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the grated or chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
- Add the paprika and turmeric (or saffron threads), stirring to coat the tomato mixture.
Cook the Rice:
- Stir the rice into the tomato mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Stir once to evenly distribute the rice.
- Lower the heat and let the rice cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, without stirring, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender. You may need to add a little more broth or water if the rice is too dry before it’s fully cooked.
Add the Seafood and Vegetables:
- Once the rice is almost done, arrange shrimp, mussles over the top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the shrimp will be cooked and mussels will open.
Finish and Serve paella:
- When everything is done remove the pan from heat. Let the paella rest for 5 minutes.
Serving Tip 💡:
Tomato paella with mussels and shrimp is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. This dish is sure to impress your guests and make any meal feel like a celebration. Enjoy!
