Paella
It is suggested that Moorish slaves would re-use left over rice dishes from royal banquets, leading to the birth of a popular Spanish dish called Paella, which could have originated from the Arabic word baqiyah or remainder. Although the Spanish city Valencia is credited for this dish, we bring to you a much loved international form of polao to liven up your healthy Eid menu!
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp paprika, 2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste, 2 kg skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch pieces
½ kg white fish (Bhetki or a pink salmon), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice
1 pinch saffron threads, 1 bay leaf
½ bunch parsley, chopped
4 cups chicken stock
2 lemons, zested and some freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 large red onions, diced, 1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped; 2 cups green peas
½ kg shrimp, peeled and deveined
Method:
In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir in chicken pieces to coat. Cover, and refrigerate.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice. Cook about 3 minutes then stir in saffron threads, bay leaf, parsley, chicken stock, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer 20 minutes. It will be a soggy mixture.
Smear the fish with some garlic paste and lemon juice, then sauté it in 1 tablespoon olive oil for up to 1 minute on each side. Add salt and pepper towards the end.
Then take 2 tablespoons olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat and sauté both marinated chicken and onion; cook 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper and peas; cook 5 minutes. Stir in shrimp; cook, turning the shrimp, until both sides are pink. Stir in the fish and cook together for 3-5 minutes. Spread rice mixture onto a serving tray. Top with meat and seafood mixture. Sprinkle coriander on top and serve hot!
Health focus
A healthy mix of vegetables and meat leads to a fulfilling meal of proteins, fibers and vitamins with the psychological satisfaction rice brings to our Bangladeshi bellies!
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