Main Dish

Paella Slow Cook Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Name: Paella Slow Cook Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced; 1 medium red onion, finely minced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 pound andouille sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced into bite-sized pieces; 3 ounce (Six) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat; 6 large frozen shrimp, deveined, peeled, pre-cooked, and thawed; 1 1/2 cups ½ fragrant long-grain white rice; 14 1/2 ounce (One can) fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 2 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, lightly crumbled; 1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika; 1 cup petite frozen peas

Crystal Ivers December 24, 2024

Servings: 6 Total Time: 7 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Ah, the world of home cooking! It’s a realm where the kitchen becomes your lab, and flavor is your ultimate experiment. Just recently, I found myself dreaming of warm summer nights and gatherings with friends, sharing laughter and good food.

At the center of those dreams? A beautiful, aromatic paella slow cook. Paella, with its vibrant colors and rich flavors, is a dish that brings everyone together. Add a cool glass of sangria or crisp white wine, and you have the perfect accompaniment.

Before I share my slow cooker paella recipe, let me quickly introduce you to this fantastic dish.

What is Paella Slow Cook?

When most think of paella, they envision the traditional dish crafted in a wide, shallow pan over an open flame.

But not today! We’re embracing convenience without sacrificing flavor. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty meal that we can all enjoy.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the way it pulls people in. With every bite, there’s a story. Like a Spanish fiesta bursting with life!

The Ingredients

Here’s what I used to create my slow cooker paella:

1 tablespoon cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 medium red onion, finely minced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
½ pound andouille sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced into bite-sized pieces
Six 3-ounce boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
6 large frozen shrimp, deveined, peeled, pre-cooked, and thawed
1½ cups fragrant long-grain white rice
One 14 ½-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2¼ cups reduced-sodium chicken stock
½ teaspoon saffron threads, lightly crumbled
½ teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
1 cup petite frozen peas

Perfect Pairing

By the way, if you’re delighted by the idea of pairing drinks, a chilled glass of sangria goes exceptionally well with this dish. The fruity flavors can enhance the spices in paella, creating a delightful balance.

How to Make Paella Slow Cook

Making paella in a slow cooker enables the rice to absorb all the flavors. It’s simple and approachable, even for those new to the kitchen. Let’s dive into the step-by-step directions.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by heating olive oil in your slow cooker. If your slow cooker has a sauté function, use it. If not, just use a pan on the stove. Add garlic, red onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, usually about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Next, toss in the andouille sausage slices. Allow them to brown slightly. This step enhances the flavors, giving your paella a savory kick. The smell? It’s heavenly!

Step 3: Layer it Up

Now it’s time to layer in the rest of the ingredients. First, add the chicken thighs. Don’t worry about cutting them; they will cook thoroughly. Sprinkle in the salt, followed by the long-grain rice. Pour the fire-roasted tomatoes over the rice, then add chicken stock.

Step 4: Spice it Up

Here’s where the magic happens. Add the saffron threads and smoked Spanish paprika. These spices bring that classic paella flavor without needing a lot of effort. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 5: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. You want the rice to be tender and the flavors to fully develop.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp and Peas

When cooking is nearing completion, add the shrimp and peas. They don’t need long, just 15-20 minutes to warm through. Shrimp can easily overcook, so keep an eye on them.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, fluff the paella with a fork, transferring it to serving dishes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. And there you have it, delicious slow cooker paella ready to relish!

Notes

Here are some wise tips to keep in mind:

Choosing Weights: Get chicken thighs for best results. They won’t dry out like chicken breasts.
Rice Variety: Bomba rice is preferred. However, use any long-grain rice if that’s what’s on hand.
Saffron Substitute: If saffron is tricky to find, try turmeric for color.
Stock Choices: Beef or vegetable stock can substitute chicken stock for different flavors.
Seafood Temperature: Ensure shrimp are pre-cooked before adding to avoid rubberiness.

Storage Tips

Storing your slow cooker paella can be easy. Please keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be aware that the rice may absorb more liquid after refrigeration. Reheat gently on low heat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re pondering how to serve your paella, consider these options:

Fresh Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, enhancing the flavor.
Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the juices.
Mixed Greens Salad: A simple side salad balances the hearty dish and adds freshness.
Tzatziki Sauce: A cool tzatziki sauce can complement the spices nicely.
Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkling chili flakes can kick it up a notch.

What Other Substitute Can You Use in Paella Slow Cook?

You might want to experiment with substitutes if some ingredients are hard to find. Here are five fantastic options:

Crispy Chorizo: Instead of andouille sausage, chorizo adds a unique flavor.
Vegetables Only: For a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and add veggies like zucchini and artichokes.
Fish Fillets: Use firm white fish like cod instead of chicken for a seafood-centric dish.
Tofu: For a plant-based protein, tofu can be a great alternative to add that overlap of protein.
Brown Rice: To make it heartier and more nutritious, opt for brown rice, recognizing that it may require more cooking time.

Conclusion

Whipping up a slow-cooked paella is both rewarding and comforting. It’s an invitation to experience the lively flavors of Spain right in your kitchen. This dish teaches us that beautiful flavors come together with little fuss.

So, take a chance, gather your friends, and let the laughter and stories flow. Whether by the poolside or around the dining room table, paella is sure to be the star of any gathering. Happy cooking!

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Paella Slow Cook Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Author: Crystal Ivers Cuisine: Spanish Courses: Main Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 7 hrs Total Time 7 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 570 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, the world of home cooking! It's a realm where the kitchen becomes your lab, and flavor is your ultimate experiment. Just recently, I found myself dreaming of warm summer nights and gatherings with friends, sharing laughter and good food.