Celebratory Seafood Paella Recipe

Preparation Time: 20m
Cook Time: 40m
Total Time: 60m
Servings: 6

January 5, 2025 4.8

This celebratory seafood paella is a vibrant dish bursting with fresh seafood, fragrant saffron, and perfectly cooked rice. Drawing inspiration from Spanish traditions, this Australian adaptation is perfect for a festive gathering or a special family dinner. Packed with prawns, mussels, squid, and a rich, flavourful stock, this one-pan wonder is both impressive and satisfying.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 red capsicum, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 cups paella or Arborio rice
4 cups fish or chicken stock
12 large prawns, peeled and deveined
12 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
150 g squid rings
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1 Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet. Sauté onion, capsicum, and garlic until softened. Stir in paprika, saffron, and tomatoes, cooking until fragrant and slightly thickened.
2 Cook the Rice
Add rice and stir to coat in the tomato mixture. Pour in the fish stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, without stirring, for 10–15 minutes, until the rice is nearly tender.
3 Add Seafood and Finish
Nestle prawns, mussels, and squid into the rice. Cover with foil or a lid and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the seafood is cooked and the mussels open. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.