Monday, November 14, 2011

Paella-Style Chicken and Rice

I found this recipe in a magazine I was reading in the Dr.'s office.  It was for Paella-Style Chicken and Rice adapted from  Extra Lean Family by Mario Lopez. Now, I never do this, but I ripped the recipe out of the magazine and put in my purse. Bad, I know, but how many of you out there have done the same thing?  Who can resist a recipe from that cute, hunky guy, with those dimples! Remember, he was on Saved by the Bell and Dancing with  the Stars a few seasons ago and is the TV host of Extra?  According to Mario, This is a healthy version of the family classic. Maybe if you eat this dish, you can have abs like Mario;)  If you want to see more of Mario go to see Priscilla @She's Cookin',  because she  got to meet Mario Lopez, Lucky girl:)

Paella is Spanish dish of  saffron flavored rice combined with a variety of meats and shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster, clams, chicken, pork, ham and chorizo.), garlic, onions, peas, artichoke hearts and tomatoes. It's named after the special two-handled pan — also called paella  in which it's prepared and served. The pan is wide, shallow and 13 to 14 inches in diameter. If you want to see an authentic paella pan, check our Chrisitiane@The Mom Chef on making an authentic Paella.

This recipe is a healthier version of that paella classic.  It has chicken, Andouille sausage, brown rice, red bell peppers, peas, and saffron. Now, the recipe said that you could use chicken andouille sausage, which is what I did.  I got mine at Trader Joe's, that's why you small pieces of the sausage in the dish.  You can use saffron, if you have it.  It's a little pricey for me, so the recipe said that you could sub Italian seasoning for the saffron. You can also add a little turmeric for the saffron like color, if you wish.

This dish goes together quickly, and has layers of flavor from the spices, is healthy with the brown rice, and chicken breasts, and tastes so good.  We will definitely be making this again!  Believe it or not, I didn't change anything in the recipe. I followed it to a "T".  I don't do that too often, Enjoy!

"Paella-style" Chicken and Rice 

Adapted from Extra Lean Family by Mario Lopez -Serves 4

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 oz chicken sausage or 1 oz andouille sausage
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 tsp saffron, or 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Chopped parsley and scallions to taste
  • Heat oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook for 3 minutes, crushing with a wooden spoon. Add onion, celery and salt. Saute for 3 minutes. Stir in brown rice. Stir saffron into chicken broth and add to pan. Bring to a boil and add chicken.
  • Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir in peas and sliced bell pepper. Serve in bowls and top with parsley and scallions.

17 comments:

  1. Following a recipe to a "T"? Whoda thunk it! :)

    I can see why you did so. It looks absolutely fantastic. I saw the picture on facebook and had to come over (you know how much I love paella). I was pretty surprised (very pleasantly so) to see me mentioned....thank you!

    Thank you too for this recipe. I have found my next paella!

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  2. Christiane- I'm glad that you like the recipe. It is very good, and a pared down version of the one that you made, even healthy.
    I just send you an email, too.

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  3. it looks yummy; i love rice and it s very good way to cook and present

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  4. Shhh, I've swiped one before! I see why you grabbed this one, healthy, tasty and seem really easy. Priscilla is lucky isn't she. Next year if you make it out here you will have to be my roomie! I locked myself in my office to get some work done and here I am reading yummy recipes!
    -Gina-

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  5. Yesmin, This is a good dish, and tastes so good.

    Emily- Yes, this recipe is so good and easy.

    Aarthi-Thank you for your kind words

    Gina,
    Glad that you liked the recipe.It is very good!
    I would love to be your roomie next year:) I'll start working on it now. That would be so much fun.

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  6. Oh, that looks so delicious and healthy, too! Thanks for the mention, Becky! I'm pinning it!

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  7. Priscilla-You are welcome! This dish is as good as it looks.

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  8. I have never made paella because of the special pan and the lack of fresh seafood around here. Well apparently I do not need any of that. The short list of ingredients and the fact it is fairly easy makes this one a winner. Thanks for sharing, it looks delicious. I have saved the recipe.

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  9. Tina,
    There are many variations of paella, and if you have a 12" frying pan, you could make a paella style meal. check out Wikipedia.

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  10. Becky, how could you rip it out? Hehee, this is definitely worth it! Looks fabulously easy and tasty to boot.

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  11. Jill- I struggled with it, but I was able to rip it out:) It is a very good recipe! Let me know, if you try it.

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  12. Becky...this is GORGEOUS, and just as healthy I'm sure! Michael saw a Time magazine w/Steve Jobs on the cover in a doctors office last week and "borrowed" it. Mind you, he was having blood drawn in the building. This wasn't even HIS doctor. He walked in, asked the receptionist if he could have it, and walked right back out!

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  13. Wendy, Thank you for your kind words. Well, that's one way to get the magazine.

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  14. Yes, this paella style chicken & rice does look divine! You had me smiling at how you acquired the recipe. Making this dish just to have the abs is good for me...thank you for sharing it Becky!

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  15. Mmmmmm....I adore paella and love that this version uses brown rice...yum!

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  16. Do you use cook the rice and chicken before you cook it for 30-35 minutes?? or is that when the rice and chicken cook. I would be afraid the chicken would get rubbery cooking for that long. Really want to try to make this - A little confused!

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