Easy Peasy Prawn Paella

Fancy an Easy Prawn Paella Recipe?

Been craving sunshine on a plate? Do you want a taste of Spain without the hassle? Well, my friend, you're in for a treat! This Easy Prawn Paella Recipe is absolutely brilliant.

It brings you succulent prawns and all the vibrant flavours you dream of. Think perfectly cooked rice and aromatic spices and just the right amount of chilli, like a Quick Prawn Paella without any drama.

A Taste of Spain, Made Easy

Paella hails from Spain. It's a real celebration of flavours and textures. It's traditionally a communal dish. It is perfect for sharing with friends and family, imagine tapas on the beach! This Paella recipe for beginners is dead easy and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

The Easy seafood paella recipe serves 4 hungry folks.

Why You'll Love This Prawn Paella

Honestly, the best thing about this Shrimp paella easy recipe is that it's proper good for you! Prawns are packed with protein.

This protein help to fill you up and is great for muscle growth. Plus, all those colourful veggies give you a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

Serve this Spanish prawn paella at your next dinner party to wow your mates. And the best bit is: it tastes amazing while being incredibly easy.

What You'll Need: Your Simple Paella Ingredients

Right, let’s gather all our bits and bobs. We want to make this Homemade paella recipe and so we need some easy ingredients.

And If you fancy an interesting change, you could even play around with a Paella rice substitute . More on that later.

Alright, darling, let's get this paella cracking! You really want this "Easy Prawn Paella Recipe" ? No need to be a right Charlie to whip up a fantastic version of this iconic Spanish dish.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted

So, you fancy making an easy seafood paella recipe ? Cracking! First, let’s get all our bits and bobs together.

Honestly, a bit of prep makes all the difference. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling around mid-cook like a headless chicken.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here's what you'll need for this quick prawn paella .

• Chicken stock: 1.2 litres (5 cups) . Quality is key, so go for homemade if you can, or a decent stock cube. Kallo organic is a good shout.
• Saffron threads: A good pinch. These little guys are pricey, but worth it for the flavour and colour.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon . Nothing fancy, just good quality.
• Onion: 1 medium , thinly sliced.
• Red bell pepper: 1 medium , thinly sliced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves , crushed or minced.
• Tomatoes: 2 medium , finely chopped.
• Paella rice: 300g (1 1/2 cups) . Bomba or Arborio work well. If you're looking for a paella rice substitute , Arborio will do in a pinch, but try to find the real deal!
• Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons . This adds a lovely smoky depth.
• Chilli flakes: ½ to 1 teaspoon , to taste. Go easy if you don't like it too spicy!
• Green beans: 75g (2/3 cup) , trimmed and halved.
• Frozen peas: 100g (3/4 cup) . Easy peasy.
• Prawns: 450g (1 pound) , uncooked, peeled, and deveined. Defrosted if frozen. Pat 'em dry!
• Lemons: 2 , cut into quarters.
• Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon , chopped, plus extra for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Smoked paprika is essential for that authentic Spanish flavour. Don't skip it! Chilli flakes add a gentle kick. You can quick prawn paella even with the smallest amount if you are sensible.

For a deeper flavour, try adding a bay leaf to the stock. If you want it spicy try Homemade paella recipe by adding your favorite chili.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large, wide, deep saucepan or paella pan. If you have a paella pan, brilliant! But a large saucepan works just fine.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Chopping board and knife.

Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy gadgets required for this paella recipe for beginners . This Shrimp paella easy is the perfect Weeknight paella recipe .

Now, off you pop to the kitchen!

Right then, let's talk paella! Specifically, this Easy Prawn Paella Recipe.

Cooking Like a Spaniard (Sort Of)

Honestly, making paella always seemed a bit intimidating to me. All those fancy ingredients and specific techniques. I thought it was too much for a weeknight dinner! But this Easy seafood paella recipe changed my mind.

Now, it’s become a staple. A quick prawn paella that's ready in under an hour? Yes, please.

Prep Steps: Your Paella Arsenal

First things first, mise en place! It sounds posh, but it just means "everything in its place". Chop your onion, pepper, and garlic.

Get those tomatoes diced. Measure out your rice (we're using paella rice, but Arborio works too!). Peel and devein the prawns.

Honestly, prepping everything beforehand will make the actual cooking process a breeze. Safety first! Watch your fingers when chopping and be careful around the hot hob.

step-by-step: The Paella Dance

1. Heat 1.2 litres of chicken stock in a pan with a pinch of saffron. Keep it warm on low.
2. Sauté sliced onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes .
3. Stir in crushed garlic and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another minute .
4. Add 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and ½ to 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute .
5. Add 300g paella rice and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes .
6. Pour in the hot stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes . Do not stir!
7. Gently nestle 75g green beans, 100g frozen peas, and 450g prawns into the rice.
8. Cook for another 5 minutes , until the prawns are pink and cooked through. Resist the urge to stir! Squeeze the juice from two lemon quarters over the paella. Stir in 1 tablespoon parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Paella Perfection

Don't stir the rice! Seriously, this is key. Stirring releases starch and makes the paella gummy. We want that lovely, slightly crispy bottom layer called the socarrat .

Another trick, dry your prawns with paper towels before adding them to the paella. This helps them sear and prevents a soggy paella.

And if you want to make this shrimp paella easy even easier, you can prep all the veggies the night before.

You know? It makes the whole process less stressful.

Recipe Notes: Your Easy Prawn Paella Recipe Cheat Sheet

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Easy Peasy Prawn Paella ? Good on you! This section's got all the extra bits and bobs to make sure your paella is a roaring success.

Think of it as your "backstage pass" to paella perfection.

Get Your Paella On: Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation is half the battle! For plating, think rustic charm. Pile that Spanish prawn paella high in the pan, right at the table.

Add a few extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. It looks fab!

Now, for sides: a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Some crusty bread for mopping up those delicious juices? Bang on.

As for drinks, a chilled glass of sangria or a crisp white wine are always winners.

Storage: Keepin' It Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers from your weeknight paella recipe (lucky you!). Here's the lowdown on storage.

• Refrigeration: Pop your paella in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to two days . Simple as that!
• Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture might change a bit. Put it in a freezer safe container and it’s good for up to one month . Bear in mind the rice may soften.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of stock or water to prevent it drying out. You can also microwave it, but it might not be as good.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a bit of a twist on your quick prawn paella ? No worries, I've got you covered.

• Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, just make sure your stock and smoked paprika are certified gluten-free. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, try adding some butternut squash or mushrooms. Makes it all warm and cozy, you know?

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so I'm no nutritionist, but here's a rough idea of what you're getting. This Easy seafood paella recipe is a good source of protein from the prawns.

It also has carbs from the rice for energy. And plenty of vitamins from the veggies! Plus, saffron is meant to be good for ya.

.. who knew?

This Shrimp paella easy recipe is a delight, and not something to worry about the calorie of, because is bloody delicious!

So there you have it! Everything you need to make this homemade paella recipe truly your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun. Happy cooking!