Paella!!

This is a simplistic take on a Paella that is tasty, healthy, and low cal.

Tonight's had Shrimp for the protein, and green beans (left overs cut up small) for a vegetable… but this can be radically varied according to your own preferences.  This makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:

  2/3 cup Basmati Rice (uncooked)

  1 1/3 cups Water

  1 cup cooked Vegetable *

  2 tsp finely chopped Lemon Zest

  Spray Olive Oil

  1/2 cup diced Onion

  2 tsp minced Garlic

  2 ribs diced Celery

  1 tsp Fennel Seeds

  1 pound Protein *

  1/2 tsp Saffron

  1/2 tsp fresh ground Black Pepper

  1/4 cup Dry White Wine

  1/4 cup additional Water

  1 Tbl minced fresh Italian (flat leaf) Parsley

In a medium pot with a snug fitting lid place Basmati Rice and 1 1/3 cups Water, leave uncovered to bring to boil then immediately reduce heat to Low, cover and allow to cook for 15 minutes.  After rice has cooked add in the cooked Vegetable * and Lemon Zest.

Coat a large skillet or dutch oven with a snug fitting lid with the Spray Olive Oil.  Sauté together the Onion, Garlic, Celery, and Fennel Seeds.  Once the Onions have become translucent add the Protein *, Saffron, Black Pepper.  Sauté until the Protein * is seared. Reduce the heat to Low, add the White Wine and the Rice mixture, stir until well incorporated.  Add the 1/4 cup additional water, cover and allow to steam until the Protein * is cooked through - the dish can be left covered on Low for a while if needed.  When finished cooking sprinkle with Parsley.

* Vegetable & Protein:

For Vegetable I typically use Corn or Peas, but today I used Green Beans cut up small… feel free to vary as you desire.

For Protein I had Shrimp on hand, typically I use a combination of Seafood, but other meats also work well, play with it and find what you like.