Mixed Paella with Seafood and Sausage
photo by www.LaylaMaysphotography.com
Before I began cooking paella professionally, there were many weekends that I enjoyed practicing and perfecting my paella cooking skills to create the best authentic Spanish paellas around. My friends enjoyed it too. When I moved to Nashville over 25 years ago, I quickly found out that it was a challenge to get the ingredients and fresh seafood needed. Well, Nashville has come a long way with a burgeoning culinary scene and I now have the freshest ingredients and spices to create an authentic Spanish paella that will keep you craving for more.
Recently, Lodge Cast Iron, a product from Tennessee, sent me a paella pan and I am now creating authentic paellas with a Nashville culinary spirit. Creating any meal from local ingredients means that you will have the freshest ingredients that reflects the local culinary scene. Why not create your masterpiece from the local Tennessee product that has proven its quality and durability since 1910.
Cooking your paella is best when you have the time to leisurely cook and enjoy the experience from beginning to end, which usually takes about 45 minutes. My Lodge Carbon Steel 15 inch Paella Pan is perfect for generous portions for about 6 people. This version of My Paella Travels paella is loaded with Seared Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp, Chicken, Mussels atop tender and crusty bomba rice layered with asparagus, squash, broth, saffron and a touch of smoked paprika.
Socarrat is the crusty rice formed at the bottom of the paella pan, if the paella is cooked properly. Luckily, the Lodge Cast Iron paella pan is great at creating the most prized part of the paella.
Be sure to pop open a bottle of Cava (Spain’s bubbly wine) for a perfect weekend pairing.