Smoked Chili Oil Paella

Ingredients

Cooking Time  35-45 Mins

• For the Base: 2 tbsp Auntie Rana's Smoked Chili Oil.
  1 tbsp olive oil.
  1 medium onion (finely chopped).
  3 cloves garlic (minced).
  1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips).
• For the Rice: 1 cup short-grain rice (e.g., Arborio or Bomba).
  1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  1/2 tsp saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water).
  1 cup diced tomatoes.
  2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock).
• For the Seafood: 200g mussels (cleaned).
  200g shrimp (peeled and deveined).
  150g squid rings.
• Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Optional Garnishes: Lemon wedges Fresh parsley (chopped).

Cooking Directions

• Heat the Oils: In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp Auntie Rana's Smoked Chili Oil over medium heat.
• Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  
• Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, coating it well in the oil and aromatics. This step helps to toast the rice slightly, adding depth of flavor.
• Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and add the soaked saffron threads with their water. Stir in the diced tomatoes and mix well.
• Build the Base: Pour in the seafood stock, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a simmer. Do not stir the rice after this point to allow it to cook evenly.
• Add Seafood: After about 10 minutes, arrange the mussels, shrimp, and squid rings on top of the rice. Drizzle 1 tbsp Auntie Rana's Smoked Chili Oil over the seafood to infuse additional smoky, spicy flavor. Cover with a lid or foil and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
• Simmer and Finish: Uncover the pan and let the paella simmer for 2–3 minutes to develop a crispy layer of rice (socarrat) at the bottom.
• Serve and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve directly from the pan for an authentic presentation.

At Auntie Rana’s, 5% of all sales support wildlife rescue and conservation in Southeast Asia, the U.S., and Canada. We will fund shelters, rehabilitation, and habitat preservation—carrying forward a legacy of compassion to protect animals for future generations.

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Born from Love: Auntie Rana’s started from our journey—a love for food, people, animals, and the incredible places that shaped who we are. Each experience brought new flavors, stories, and renewed excitement for life, inspiring us to create something special—an authentic taste of Southeast Asia to share here in North America.