WOW! This meal is SO pretty, SO easy, and SO yummy. This is a "cheater" paella in that it is not prepared the traditional way. Turmeric is used instead of saffron to achieve the yellow color of the rice, which makes this version a lot cheaper. AND using microwavable rice means you can throw this meal together in 20-30 minutes tops (instead of an hour+).
INGREDIENTS
~Serves 1~
-1/4 red bell pepper
-1/4 white onion
-1/4 cup frozen peas
-1 clove grated garlic
-1/2 teaspoon turmeric
-1 cup microwavable brown rice (such as Uncle Ben's ready rice)
-1/4 cup chicken broth
-1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
-***9 large raw shrimp
-Lemon
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, small dice the red bell pepper and onion. Add the peppers and onion to the oil, season with salt and pepper, and saute until softened.
2. Next, add the frozen peas, grated garlic, turmeric, microwavable rice, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and spread into an even layer. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. You may need to de-glaze the skillet with a little more chicken broth as you go (optional).
3. Finally, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Arrange the shrimp on top of the rice, cover the skillet with foil, and cook for 4 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked. Remove the foil, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
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Alternatives: Shrimp isn't the only meat you can use to make paella. This recipe would also work well with sliced chorizo links, clams, mussels, lobster tail, sliced chicken, scallops, or any combination of these meats!
***MM Option: You could also do a vegetarian paella using a combination of broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, summer squash, or fresh green beans.