This classic Spanish Seafood Paella Recipe is a saffron-infused medley of
delicious seafood and arborio rice, a perfect one pot meal to feed a crowd
and works with whatever protein or seafood you have on hand.
We are a soccer family, but a divided one. Mauricio is definitely rooting for Argentina,
while my dad and brother in law are die-hard team Brazil fans.
The three of them were planning to go to the FIFA World Cup together, but it didn’t work out.
So I decided to bring the World Cup to them, with a little soccer party and make
everyone’s favorite seafood paella recipe.
No matter who they are rooting for to win, one thing that brings our family together is food.
More specifically, my mother-in-law’s seafood paella.
I watched her make it several times, and now I’m sharing the recipe with you.
The best part about making a seafood paella or any paella is that it works with just about
any protein or seafood you have on hand. The key ingredients are the arborio rice and saffron,
and all other ingredients are really up to you.
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We are a bunch of seafood lovers so I load this classic style paella dish with all the seafood I can find.
From small white fish to jumbo scallops, crab legs, shrimp and mussels and clams.
Not a fan of some of the above? Simply leave it out. You can also add chicken to this recipe.
TIP: Serve a lemon wedges and olive oil with your paella, so everyone can finish their paella to their taste.
Decorating for the FIFA World Cup Party
I found these cute soccer ball lanterns online, and knew they would serve great as my center pieces.
Of course to keep everyone happy, I had to have both teams represented.
I also found Argentinian and Brazilian flags online, as well. I simply printed those and then cut into triangles.
I already had thread at home, so I used glue and tape to create these flag banners. I posted one on each side.
Pom poms to match each of the flag colors, as well as the table cloth were
fun additions to keep within this theme.
I also made mini flags and taped them to toothpicks.
It’s such a simple and cute way to decorate your home and make a meal more festive, don’t you think?
Make the Seafood Paella Recipe
Seafood Paella Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 4 large garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups uncooked Arborio rice or other short-grain rice
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice extra lemons to serve after
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 16-ounce can of less sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 lbs unpeeled jumbo shrimp
- 1/2 lbs of mussels scrubbed and debearded
- 1/2 clams scrubbed and debearded
- 1/2 of salmon or 2-4 5 oz pieces of any fish you like
- 3-6 jumbo scallops
- 1-2 lobster tail if you're feeling fancy, you can also use crab legs or both!
Instructions
- To prepare paella, combine water, saffron, and broth in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat. Peel and devein shrimp, scrub mussels and clams, and clean all other seafood and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large paella pan or large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sautè 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, paprika, and 3 garlic cloves; cook 5 minutes. Add rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in lemon juice, two more garlic cloves and chopped parsley, and broth mixture. Bring to a low boil; cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add seafood to the pan nestling everything into rice mixture.Arrange shrimp, heads down, in rice mixture. Cook until seafood is cooked and shells open; discard any unopened shells. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup lemon juice. Remove from heat; cover with a towel, and let stand 10 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges, and olive oil.
Pin The Paella Recipe for Later
This post was originally created in partnership shop with Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company.
All opinions are mine alone. #WorldCupParty #CollectiveBias
6 Comments
How many servings does this make? Thx!
Hi! I would say about 6!
[…] Seafood Paella Recipe for a Crowd […]
This looks like it’s going to be a fun party. The decorations are very cool but classy!
This sounds delicious!!! Love how the party is soccer themed but still looks totally sophisticated!
Gorgeous, I love how you worked in a house divided theme in your own style. #client