Indian-inspired Basmati rice Paella with Chicken
Ingredients:
Fresh Parsley chopped finely
6 Cloves of garlic minced
1 Teaspoon Kashmiri Chilli Powder
10 Chicken drumsticks
1 Cup Frozen Peas and Carrot
2 Cups green and red Bell peppers chopped small
1 White onion chopped small
2 1/2 Cups low sodium Chicken broth
2 Tablespoon freshly squeezed Lemon juice
5-6 Lemon wedges to garnish
1/2 Cup tomato paste or 5 small tomatoes chopped finely
2 Cups aged Basmati Rice
1 Pinch of Saffron
2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin olive oil
2 Teaspoon Paprika
2 Teaspoon Bruschetta seasoning
Directions:
In a large bowl marinate chicken with 1 teaspoon paprika, Chilly powder , and 1 teaspoon bruschetta seasoning for 4 hours in refrigerator.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in nonstick pan and brown chicken on all sides and cover and cook for additional 20-25 min till fully cooked and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick Paella pan, and add minced garlic cloves and sauté.
Gradually add the rest of the Sofrito ingredients: onions, bell peppers, tomatoes or tomato paste and sauté further.
Add 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon bruschetta seasoning to the veggies.
Add the dry rice and gently brown along with the Sofrito mixture.
Add saffron to the rice and 2 1/2 cups of boiling chicken broth to the rice with salt to taste and cover with lid on medium low heat for about 10 -15 minutes.
After 10 -15 minutes layer the rice with the chicken and its cooked juices, lemon juice and the frozen carrot and peas and cover and allow to steam on low heat for additional 10 min.
When the rice is almost done, sprinkle with parsley and cover and turn off heat.
Rice is served with lemon wedges.
This is a versatile dish that has the classic flavor that we all crave in Paella but with an authentic Indian twist. The Kashmiri chilly powder is sure to fire up your taste buds and add the much needed kick to the chicken. The proteins can include Shrimp, mussels, fish scallops and sausages if required. Cooking is all about tailoring the ingredients to your flavor profile, and innovating as you so desire. In my opinion, a family that cooks together, will build strong family ties, so always include your children in the cooking steps and enjoy this delightful dish. As always, I wish that you eat healthy and live long and strong!
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