Quick Paella with Shrimp & Mussels

Rating: 4.17 stars
6 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 1
  • 4 star values: 5
  • 3 star values: 0
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

Our quick take on paella is studded with mussels and shrimp. Traditional paella made with short-grain rice takes a while to cook and can be a bit tricky. Instant brown rice is a great shortcut--what it lacks in authenticity it more than makes up for in convenience. Make sure you seek out saffron, which gives the dish its distinctive yellow color and signature flavor. Serve with: Spinach salad.

EatingWell Test Kitchen
Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2009

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Recipe Summary

total:
40 mins
Servings:
4

Nutrition Profile:

Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Add rice, broth, thyme, salt, pepper and saffron and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

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  • Stir in shrimp and peas. Place mussels on top of the rice in an even layer. Cover and continue cooking until the mussels have opened and the rice is tender, about 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips

Note: The dried stigma from Crocus sativus, saffron adds flavor and golden color to a variety of Middle Eastern, African and European foods. Find it in the spice section of supermarkets, gourmet shops or at tienda.com. It will keep in an airtight container for several years.

Tip: To scrub mussels, hold under running water and use a stiff brush to remove any barnacles; pull off any black fibrous “beards.” Discard mussels with broken shells or whose shell remains open after you tap it.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
364 calories; protein 27.7g; carbohydrates 44.9g; dietary fiber 4.6g; sugars 3.3g; fat 7.3g; saturated fat 1g; cholesterol 154.8mg; vitamin a iu 1561IU; vitamin c 31.9mg; folate 72.6mcg; calcium 85.3mg; iron 2.9mg; magnesium 105.8mg; potassium 401.8mg; sodium 1086.2mg; thiamin 0.3mg.
Exchanges:

2 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat

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Reviews (3)

Read More Reviews
6 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 1
  • 4 star values: 5
  • 3 star values: 0
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
06/10/2014
Both quick and good I cheated a bit to make it even quicker and easier. Out of saffron I used packaged yellow rice frozen mussels in garlic sauce and frozen pre-peeled shrimp. It was a hit with the family although a bit salty. I probably should have skipped the broth because the yellow rice seasoning and mussels juice had it covered. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
I made this last night and it was super easy to make AND it's a one pot meal which I love considering I don't have a dishwasher. It's not a ton of ingredients so chances are you have most on hand. It was also super quick- and that's coming from someone that's always saying they're a slow cook. I highly recommend this recipe- in fact I've already emailed it to my mom and a friend! Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
Easy to make and terrific taste. I would recommend for a low calorie meal with great flavor. Very satisfying and even the kids liked it! Read More
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Linicha Hunter
Rating: 5 stars
09/29/2018
Loved it was easy to make and hubbie enjoyed. Will make again very inexpensive shrimps 5 buck mussles 3 bucks..I had all the veggies and spices already. Had to cook longer than what recipe suggested though. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
I was very disappointed with this recipe. I thought it looked great and would be quick. While it was quick and easy to make it lacked taste and was bland. In addition I don't know how they computed a cost per serving of 3.50 in the magazine when all of the ingredients cost me 30 which is 7.50 per serving. In NY Shrimp alone is 14 a pound! Save your money and skip this dish! Read More
sergio1291@live.com
Rating: 4 stars
10/30/2011
i made this today and i love this recipe the only thing i did to add taste was i added a shrimp flavor bouillon to the chicken broth but i have to say this is just as good as portuguese paella but just not like mom use to make.. Read More
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