Dive into the vibrant culinary world of Gibraltar with our signature Gibraltar Paella. Inspired by the cultural fusion of Spanish and Mediterranean influences, this dish is a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Savor the succulent combination of saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and savory chorizo, all expertly simmered to perfection. Topped with a colorful array of bell peppers, peas, and aromatic herbs, each bite transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Whether you're enjoying a casual family dinner or hosting a festive gathering, our Gibraltar Paella promises to delight your taste buds and evoke the spirit of this historic and vibrant region.

Here's a traditional recipe for Gibraltar Paella:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Spanish short-grain rice (such as Bomba or Calasparra)
• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• A pinch of saffron threads
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and chorizo slices. Cook until the chicken is browned and the chorizo is slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2- In the same pan, add the onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3- Stir in the diced tomato, smoked paprika, saffron threads, and rice. Toast the rice for a couple of minutes until it becomes translucent.

4- Pour in the chicken or seafood broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Arrange the chicken, chorizo, and shrimp evenly over the rice. Do not stir the paella once the broth is added.

5- Let the paella simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Occasionally rotate the pan to ensure even cooking, but refrain from stirring.

6- Once the rice is cooked, scatter the green peas over the paella and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.

7- Remove the paella from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

8- Enjoy your delicious Gibraltar Paella with family and friends, savoring every flavorful bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Gibraltar Paella recipe:

Spanish short-grain rice (2 cups):

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains fiber for digestive health.

Chicken thighs (1 lb):

• Calories: 880
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Large shrimp (1 lb):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 96g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories and fat.
• High in protein and essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.

Chorizo sausage (1/2 lb):

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 60g
• Carbohydrates: 8g

benefits:

• Adds rich flavor and depth to the dish.
• Contains protein and fats for energy.

Onion:

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Provides fiber for digestive health.

Bell peppers (1 red and 1 green):

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and collagen production.
• High in antioxidants that may help protect against certain diseases.

Green peas (1 cup):

• Calories: 118
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits:

• Good source of plant-based protein.
• Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin K, manganese, and folate.

Tomato:

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
• Contains lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.

Olive oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 477
• Fat: 54g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 18
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.