With parents who reside in Spain, paella is something my whole family loves, my mum has been taught how to cook it by the locals. This weekend with my mum in the UK at my home I decided to cook her my version. It’s probably not a true paella but hey, it’s tasty family food and a one pot meal that you can put in the middle of the table so everyone helps themselves.
Of course you could totally add chicken, fish or your own favourite vegetables to this, I used what I had in my kitchen. Make your own version and let me know how it goes.
- 1 tsp tumeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- pinch of saffron (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 100g chorizo, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 450g basmati rice (you could use paella rice)
- 1 tsp Italian mixed herb mixture
- 2 dried lime leafs (optional)
- 450ml chicken stock (mine was homemade or use a stock cube and water)
- 2 large carrots grated
- 2 medium courgetes grated
- 100g mushrooms
- 100g peas
- 450-600ml water approx, judge it on the rice as it cooks
- dash of lemon juice
- 250g frozen prawns
- large handful of fresh herbs, chopped
- Place the spices in a large wide based pan on a medium heat, add the boil and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add the chorizo and allow it to release its oils.
- Next add the garlic and rice, cook for 2 minutes. Then add the stock, dried herbs and lime leaf.
- Allow this to simmer whilst you prep the veggies, you could use any veggies you like!
- Add in the vegetables one at a time and stir in.
- Add the water and place the lid on the pan. Allow it to simmer until the rice is cooked.
- Finish with the lemon juice and prawns, allowing the prawns to cook in the pan with the rice for a few minutes.
- Finally add the herbs, taste and season.
I’m trying to get my children to each cook with me once a week, making it a scheduled activity and time with mummy all at once. It slows me down and means more planning is needed but it is also teaching them valuable skills.