Paella de Pollo y Setas (Chicken and Mushroom Paella) with Camarón Tapas and Fresh Green Salad
15 inch Lodge Carbon Steel Paella Pan
(photos by www.LaylaMaysPhotography.com)
Usually, I teach paella cooking classes but this time I was the student. Our local Williams Sonoma was featuring paella this month and I couldn’t resist experiencing other recipes for paella because I always learn something new and ways to add new flavor profiles to my paellas.
The ingredients for this type of paella was pretty straight forward but I couldn’t resist on adding my signature touches to make it my own.
When, I am creating a custom paella for 6 people, I always use my 15 inch Lodge Paella Pan. I love it! It cooks the paella perfectly, helps ensure the crusty socarrat rice crust and finish it off in the oven.
A fresh, well-made broth is the key to the foundation of creating a flavorful and authentic paella. The best part of this class was the mushroom broth. Fill a stock pot with your favorite (homemade) chicken stock (or water ) and fill it with a package of a variety of fresh mushrooms (sliced), carrots, celery, onions, fresh thyme. Add your favorite spices and salt and pepper, too. I prefer the combination of chicken stock and mushrooms for more flavor in the stock. Flavor and aromas should be the most important consideration in creating the best paellas ever, including the stock!
Locally made sausages are a big deal here in Nashville because they are amazing so I include some of the best around. Find your local butcher to add a touch of your area in each bite. This is so important. If your a lucky enough to find a locally made Spanish-style chorizo in your area, use it!
The Chicken Mushroom Paella by José Andrés that was posted in Wine Enthusiast Magazine is a nice recipe on its own, which inspired me to take it to another level by adding a few ingredients that you like with elevate the flavor profiles and the bright colors will catch your eye.
Green peas, red and yellow pepper strips and lemons added near the end of the cooking add color contrast and interesting flavors and textures you will enjoy.
There is nothing better than a big bowl full of flavorful paella with a perfectly formed soccorat (rice crust) and with a bottle of full-bodied Ribera del Duoro near by. Fuentespina Seleccion 2011 is a classic example of the luscious 100% Tempranillos from the Ribera de Duoro region of Spain. Wines from this area are very diverse and flavors of plum and strawberries that pair well with dishes with layers of flavors including sausages and chicken.
The tapas is an-seared shrimp with olive oil, salt and pepper with Curry Mayo with lime. Mix 1 cup mayo with 1 tablespoon of Madras curry powder, honey to taste, lime juice to taste. Serve with a bubbly glass of Cava Rose’.
Fresh orange segments, chopped/blanched asparagus and sweet purple onion pairs very well with a paella dinner. Serve with fresh, homemade ranch dressing with fresh or dried tarragon.