Paella Mixta

2023-10-12

By Spanish Chef

Spanish Cuisine

Main Course

How to Make Perfect Paella: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Methods for Tender, Flavorful Dishes

Slow Cooker Paella: How to Create a Flavorful Seafood and Meat Base for Perfect Paella

Use the slow cooker to simmer your seafood and meat base with saffron, garlic, and broth. The slow cooker’s low-and-slow method helps meld the flavors and tenderize the proteins, setting a flavorful foundation for your paella. Once the base is ready, add rice and let it cook for a delicious, rich paella.

Instant Pot Paella: Speed Up Cooking While Locking in Flavors for a Tender, Delicious Dish

Use the Instant Pot's "saute" function to brown your meats, seafood, and vegetables. Then, switch to the "pressure cook" setting to lock in all the flavors and cook the rice quickly. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process while keeping the paella tender and flavorful.

Air Fryer Paella: How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Socarrat with Minimal Effort

After your paella has finished cooking, transfer it to the air fryer and use the "air crisp" function to create a crispy socarrat (the crunchy rice layer at the bottom of the pan). This method gives you the perfect balance of tender rice and a delicious, crispy bottom without needing to use a traditional paella pan.

Tips and Suggestions on Paella Mixta

Choosing the right ingredients

Paella Mixta requires a variety of ingredients, including chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It's important to choose high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavors and textures of each component.

Preparing the rice

Paella rice should be short-grain and absorbent, and it can be tricky to get the texture just right. Overcooking the rice can result in a mushy paella, while undercooking it can cause the rice to be hard and crunchy.

Controlling the heat

Cooking Paella Mixta requires attention to the heat source as the temperature should be consistent throughout the cooking process. Too much heat can cause the paella to burn on the bottom, while too little heat can result in a watery dish.

Timing the cooking

Cooking Paella Mixta can take around 30-40 minutes, and it can be challenging to time everything perfectly. The chicken and vegetables should be cooked through, but not overcooked, while the seafood should be tender and not rubbery.

Presentation

Paella Mixta is traditionally served in a large, shallow pan, which can make presentation a challenge. The dish should look colorful and appealing, with each ingredient visible and evenly distributed. Additionally, the paella should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Classic Paella Mixta Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups short-grain rice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp saffron threads
  • 1/2 lb chicken breast
  • 1/2 lb shrimp
  • 1/2 lb mussels
  • 1/2 lb clams
  • 1/2 lb pork sausage
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Heat oil in a large, deep oven-safe skillet. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add rice and broth, stir to combine. Add saffron and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Lay chicken breast and pork sausage over the rice mixture. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Add shrimp, mussels, clams, and frozen peas to the skillet. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until rice is cooked and seafood is pink and firm.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 45 min

Total time 65 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 690
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 126 mg
  • Sodium: 1740 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 78 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Protein: 51 g

Variations for Paella Mixta

Coconut Paella

This version is made with fragrant jasmine rice, rich coconut milk, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetables, creating a tropical twist on classic paella.

Shrimp Paella with Coconut and Cilantro

Garlic Paella

This version is made with aromatic garlic, saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, and tender chicken, delivering a bold and savory twist on traditional paella.

Cheesy Nettle and Garlic Paella Recipe

Brunch Paella

This version is made with crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, creamy cheese, and seasoned rice, offering a deliciously indulgent breakfast twist on paella.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Paella for Brunch

Paella Risotto

This version is made with creamy Arborio rice, infused with saffron and spices, seafood, and vegetables, perfectly blending paella and risotto flavors.

Paella Risotto

Chicken Paella

This version is made with tender chicken pieces, vibrant bell peppers, rich saffron-infused rice, and a medley of spices for a comforting dish.

Chicken Paella With Pine Nuts & Cheese

Lamb Paella

This version is made with succulent lamb chunks, aromatic spices, earthy chickpeas, and saffron-infused rice, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

Welsh Lamb Paella (Paella de Cordero)

Veal Paella

This version is made with tender veal chunks, savory tomatoes, fragrant saffron rice, and fresh green beans, resulting in a delectable and inviting dish.

Paella with veal medallions from the topside with gambas, various vegetables and rice

Rabbit Paella

This version is made with tender rabbit pieces, zesty chorizo, aromatic herbs, and vibrant saffron rice, bringing a unique twist to traditional paella.

Abuelo's Rabbit Paella

Sweet Paella

This version is made with toasted quinoa, sweet honey-roasted squash, seasonal vegetables, and fragrant spices, creating a delightful gluten-free alternative to classic paella.

Toasted Quinoa Honey Squash Paella

Paella Mixta Recipe Review

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