British Expatriate Network

This works great for a cheap but nice dinner party. It really tastes great!


5lb chicken
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp. saffron threads
2 chopped onions
2 minced cloves of garlic
2 green bell peppers
4 peeled and chopped tomatoes
4 Tbs. tomato paste
1 1/2 cups of chopped ham
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp paprika
3 cups of paella rice
5 cups of chicken

Cut 5lb chicken into chunks or strips.
Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a 4-qt paella pan or ovenproof casserole and sauté the chicken pieces gently until golden.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
In a small saucepan heat one cup dry white wine, add 1/4 tsp. saffron threads and set aside for 30 min. to steep.
To paella-pan all 2 chopped onions, 2 minced cloves of garlic and 2 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into strips.
Sauté gently until onion is transparent.
Add 4 peeled and chopped tomatoes, 4 Tbs. tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups of chopped ham, 2 bay leaves, 2 tsp. dried thyme and 2 tsp paprika.
Cook about 10 mins. Stir in 3 cups of paella rice. In a saucepan bring 5 cups of chicken broth to boiling and add rice along with the saffron infusion. Cook over a moderate heat for 5 mins. stirring occasionally.
Season with salt if needed and ground pepper.
Arrange chicken pieces over rice, pushing in slightly and place in a 325 degree oven.
Bake 20-25 mins.
Liquid should be absorbed. Serves 6-8.

Sounds alright - where do you get the paella rice?

Yummy! I'll definitely try this as I don't like any type of seafood so always steer clear of Paella, plus it's something different from the usual curry/chilli I do when we have friends round.

Thanks, Moo! smile

Debs x smile

Mark, you can use any medium/long grain grain rice..

I tend to use basmati (washed in water until water runs clear, soaked for 20 minutes then drained befoe adding) as it has a good grain and mouth feel.

:smile:

Oh ok - thanks smile

Thought it was some speciality rice there for a while.

My advice is to get the paella rice. The consistency is better. Also, it is a good idea to buy a decent paella pan available at most kitchen stores or department stores with a kitchen bit.

I don't think you would have that much trouble finding paella rice the same with the really saffron. I suspect if you call round a few shops you could find it locally.