Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both healthy and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than Arroz con Mariscos! This delightful Spanish seafood rice dish is a celebration of fresh flavors, combining succulent seafood with fragrant rice and a medley of delicious spices. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend meal, adaptable to your preferences and the freshest seafood available at your local market. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups fish or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, but adds beautiful color and flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari – your choice!), cleaned and prepared
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the rice to the pan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. This step helps to enhance the rice's flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), fish broth, smoked paprika, saffron (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Step 5: Add the Seafood
Gently stir in the seafood. Cover the pan and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving. Garnish with extra parsley sprigs if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Arroz Con Mariscos:
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood: The flavor of your Arroz con Mariscos will be directly impacted by the quality of your seafood.
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice will be mushy. Follow the cooking time closely.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking: Feel free to add more or less cayenne pepper, depending on your preference for heat.
- Use a paella pan if you have one: A paella pan is ideal for this dish, but a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet works just as well.
Variations:
- Add chorizo: For a richer, more savory flavor, add 4 ounces of sliced chorizo to the pan with the onions.
- Use different seafood: Feel free to substitute your favorite seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or lobster.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like peas, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Protein: Around 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-45 grams
- Fat: Around 10-15 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade Arroz con Mariscos! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend meal. It's sure to become a new favorite in your household!