Tesco Paella Recipe: A Delicious & Easy Guide

Paella, the vibrant Spanish rice dish, is easier to make than you think! This guide uses readily available ingredients from Tesco to create a fantastic paella, perfect for a weekend lunch or a special occasion. We'll focus on a classic seafood paella, but feel free to adapt it to your preferences.

Ingredients: Your Tesco Shopping List

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed. You can easily find all these ingredients at your local Tesco.

• Seafood:
  • 200g mussels, cleaned
  • 200g prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 200g squid, cleaned and cut into rings
  • 100g chorizo, sliced (optional, but adds great flavour!)
• Rice & Vegetables:
  • 350g paella rice (Tesco's own brand is excellent)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp saffron threads
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 800ml hot chicken or fish stock (Tesco's ready-made stock is convenient)
• Other:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Tesco Paella Recipe

Follow these simple steps for a perfect paella every time:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat a large paella pan (or a wide, shallow frying pan) over medium heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 2: Infuse with Flavour

1. Add the smoked paprika and saffron threads to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their aromas. This step is crucial for authentic paella flavour!
2. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Stock

1. Add the paella rice and stir to coat it with the oil and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Carefully pour in the hot stock. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Seafood

1. Gently stir in the chorizo (if using), prawns, and squid. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has almost completely absorbed and the rice is almost cooked.
2. Add the mussels and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they open. Discard any mussels that don't open.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the pan from the heat and cover it with a lid or foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and the flavours to meld.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips for Tesco Paella Perfection

• Use good quality ingredients: Tesco offers a wide range of fresh seafood and produce. Choosing the best quality will enhance the flavour of your paella.
• Don't stir too much: Once the stock is added, avoid stirring the rice too much to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the paella before serving and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.
• Experiment with other ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas or artichoke hearts, or different types of seafood. Chicken or rabbit are also popular additions in some paella variations.

This Tesco paella recipe is a delicious and straightforward way to enjoy a classic Spanish dish. With a little planning and readily available ingredients, you can create a memorable meal for your family and friends. Enjoy!