Spanish pork paella

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Spain with this delightful Spanish Pork Paella, a recipe that embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine. This dish is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Spain, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that make it a favorite among food lovers.

Brief Description of the Recipe Spanish Pork Paella combines succulent pork, spicy chorizo, and tender spinach with the distinct aroma of saffron-infused rice. The addition of ñoras peppers and a hint of sweet smoked paprika adds depth and complexity to this hearty dish.

Cultural or Historical Context Paella originates from Valencia, Spain, and is traditionally made with a mix of meats and seafood. This version, featuring pork and chorizo, is a testament to the adaptability of paella, showcasing how it embraces different ingredients while maintaining its Spanish soul.

Ingredients List

• Olive oil: 7 tbsp
• Pork fillet: 350g, sliced into strips
• Mild cooking chorizo: 120g, cut into pieces
• Large Spanish onions: 2, finely chopped
• Green pepper: 1, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves: 4, finely chopped
• Calasparra rice (paella rice): 250g
• Sweet smoked Spanish paprika: 1 tsp
• Ñoras peppers: 2 (prepared as instructed)
• Hot chicken stock or water: 900ml
• Spinach: 500g, washed and drained
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Seasonings: Sea salt and black pepper

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a paella pan, then stir-fry the pork until slightly undercooked. Set aside.
2. Cook chorizo, onions, and green pepper in the pan, followed by garlic, until caramelized.
3. Stir in the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors, then add paprika and prepared ñoras peppers.
4. Pour in hot chicken stock and simmer until rice is nearly cooked.
5. Wilt the spinach in a separate pan, then add both spinach and pork to the paella.
6. Cover with foil and let it sit for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

Storage and Reheating Cool the paella quickly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water or stock to prevent drying.

Nutritional Information This paella is rich in protein from pork and chorizo, providing essential amino acids. The spinach adds vitamins A and C, while the rice offers carbohydrates for energy. However, it's important to consider the dish's calorie and fat content due to the olive oil and chorizo.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I substitute the meats? Yes, chicken or rabbit can be used instead of pork.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, as long as all the ingredients used are gluten-free, this dish is suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Can I make it vegetarian? For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add more vegetables like artichokes or beans.

This Spanish Pork Paella recipe is a creation of Samuel & Samantha Clark from "Moro: The Cookbook", offering an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine that's perfect for any dinner party or family meal​​.

Enjoy this culinary journey to Spain with a dish that's as colorful as it is flavorful. It's not just food; it's an experience that brings people together, celebrating the rich tapestry of Spanish cooking.