Quinoa Paella
Description
This hearty Paellaquinoa is a creative twist on the classic Spanish dish, using nutritious quinoa as a base for a medley of flavors. The combination of smoky chorizo, tender chicken, and fresh seafood creates a robust and satisfying meal. Saffron infuses the dish with its signature golden hue and earthy aroma, while peas and olives add pops of color and texture. Perfect for a weekend family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this one-pan wonder is both impressive and relatively easy to prepare. The result is a flavorful, protein-rich dish that brings the warmth of Mediterranean cooking to your table without the fuss of traditional rice paella.Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Heat half of the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the rinsed quinoa and saffron to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the quinoa and coat it with oil, allowing the saffron to bloom.
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In a separate pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cooked chicken pieces, sautéing until the chorizo releases its oils and the chicken is heated through and slightly browned.
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Transfer the chicken and chorizo mixture to the skillet with the quinoa. Add the black olives, peas, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
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Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
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Remove the skillet from the oven. Nestle the raw shrimp, scrubbed clams, and sliced sweet red peppers into the top of the quinoa mixture.
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Cover the skillet again and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the clams have opened wide.
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Remove from oven. Discard any clams that did not open. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 395kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 107mg36%
- Sodium 105mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Protein 36g72%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
