Seafood Paella

Valencia in Eastern Spain is the undisputed home of paella. It is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean and has been one of the most important rice-producing areas in Spain since rice was introduced by the Moors over 1200 years ago.

Paella was originally farmers' and farm labourers' food, cooked by the workers over a wood fire for the lunchtime meal. It was made with rice, plus whatever was to hand around the rice fields and countryside: tomatoes, onions and snails, with a few beans added for flavour and texture. Rabbit or duck might also have been added, and for special occasions, chicken plus a touch of saffron for an extra special colour and flavour. Paella was also traditionally eaten straight from the pan in which it was cooked with each person using his own wooden spoon.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 tsp each hot smoked paprika and dried thyme

300g paella or risotto rice

3 tbsp dry sherry or white wine (optional)

400g can chopped tomatoes with garlic

900ml chicken stock

400g frozen seafood mix , defrosted / or chicken or both.

1 lemon, ½ juiced, ½ cut into wedges

handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add the onion and soften for 5 mins.

Add the smoked paprika, thyme and paella rice, stir for 1 min, then splash in the sherry, if using. Once evaporated, stir in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock.

Season and cook, uncovered, for about 15 mins, stirring now and again until the rice is almost tender and still surrounded with some liquid.

Stir in the seafood mix and cover with a lid. Simmer for 5 mins, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender. Squeeze over the lemon juice, scatter over the parsley and serve with the lemon wedges.