Paella with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas

Ingredients for Paella with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas

• 450g slender asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1-inch lengths

• 1200ml (about) low-salt chicken broth, divided

• 450g uncooked large prawns, peeled, deveined, tails left intact, shells reserved

• 180ml dry white wine

• 1/2 teaspoons crumbled saffron threads

• 60ml olive oil

• 2 Spanish chorizo sausage links (170g), casings removed

• 400g chopped onions

• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 large tomato (12 to 375g ), halved, seeded, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

• 50g drained roasted canned Piquillo peppers or drained roasted red peppers from jar, coarsely chopped

• 2 teaspoons Pimentón de la Vera (hot Spanish smoked paprika) or hot Hungarian paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 475g Spanish Bomba rice, Italian arborio rice, or medium-grain white rice (about 475g )

• 18 small littleneck clams (about 575g), scrubbed

• 24 mussels, scrubbed, debearded

• 140g sugar snap peas, trimmed

• Lemon wedges

How to make Paella with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas

Cook asparagus in large saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again.

Bring 1075ml broth to simmer in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add reserved prawns shells; simmer 10 minutes. Bring wine to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat; add saffron and set aside 5 minutes to steep. Strain saffron-infused wine into 8-cup measuring cup. Strain in prawns broth. Add enough chicken broth to measure 1200ml broth mixture.

Heat oil in large wide pot (at least 3 inches deep) over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and sauté until lightly browned, breaking into 1/2-inch pieces with side of spoon, about 5 minutes. Add onions. Reduce heat to medium and sauté until onions are slightly soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir 2 minutes. Add tomato and peppers. Sauté until tomato is soft and juices evaporate, about 3 minutes. Mix in paprika and salt, then rice. (Asparagus, broth mixture, and rice mixture can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let each stand at room temperature.)

Preheat oven to 177°C. Add broth mixture to rice mixture and bring to boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pot from heat. Scatter prawns over. Tuck clams and mussels into rice mixture, hinged side down. Place pot in oven and bake paella, uncovered, 15 minutes. Sprinkle peas and asparagus over. Continue to bake until broth is absorbed, rice is tender, and clams and mussels open, about 5 minutes longer. Transfer pot to work surface. Cover with foil; let stand 5 minutes.

Transfer paella to large shallow dish. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.