Portuguese Paella

Portuguese Paella

Everyone in the world is aware and in love with the Spanish Paella, but the Portuguese version is easier and very tasty. I first tasted it in an Portuguese restaurant in Goa. I loved the taste and then back at home searched for the actual recipe over the net. I found a handful, I tried and tasted each one of them until I settled for this one. It needs very few ingredients and quick. It can be prepared any week nights with very little effort. It is an one-dish-meal hence you would need nothing more than a dish of Portuguese Paella.

Preparation Time   :  15 minutes

Cooking Time        :  30 minutes

Difficulty               ;   Easy

Serves                    :   6

Ingredients :

• Chicken thighs              ;  6 (Skin less) Washed and cleaned 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil  : 1/4 cup
• Flavored Sausage          :  2 - 4 sliced in medium roundels (You can also use unflavored ones)
• Onion                            :  1 Cup finely chopped
• Red Bell Pepper            ;  1/2 Cup chopped
• Tomatoes                      ;   1/2 cup chopped
• Medium Grain Rice      :   1 1/2 Cup ( washed and drained )
• Medium Shrimp           :    350 grams, peeled and de-veined
• Sweet Paprika               :   1/2 tsp
• Dried Rose Merry         :   1/4 tsp
• Ground Black pepper   :    1 tsp
• Saffron                          :   10 - 12 strands
• Frozen Peas                  :   1/2 cup Thawed
• Garlic                           :    2 cloves minced
• Salt                               :    To taste
• Chicken Broth              :    3 Cups   

 Method  :

1. Rub the chicken pieces with Dried Rosemary, salt and black pepper and set aside. 
2. Heat a Paella pan or a Wide mouthed Wok on medium high flame.
3.  Add Olive oil and heat till quite hot. Add chicken pieces to the oil carefully.
4.  Fry the chicken pieces till they are browned on both sides. 
5.  Remove with a slotted spoon  and set aside.
6.  In the same oil add the sliced sausages and fry till browned. Remove and set aside.
7.  In the hot oil add the onions and Bell pepper and fry for a couple of minutes or till the onions  are translucent.
8.  Now add the rice and tomatoes. fry for a couple of minutes. Till they are well mixed with the  oil.
9. Now add the garlic, Paprika and saffron. Mix well.
10. Now return the Chicken pieces to the pan. Mix well.
11. Add the broth and add salt to taste. Bring to boil.
12. Cover and cook for Ten minutes or till the broth is almost absorbed.
13. Now add the fried sausages and the Shrimp.
14. Cook till the broth is fully absorbed and the shrimps turn translucent.
15. Add the thawed frozen peas and mix well.
16. Check the chicken to see if it is fully done. Other wise turn off the heat. Cover the pan and give a standby time.
17. Check the seasoning and adjust if required.
18. Serve hot. .