Mixed Paella: La Tienda Kit Review

The super nice people at the online store La Tienda  made me an offer I couldn't turn down.  They wanted to sponsor a giveaway of a paella kit, which includes the pan, olive oil, piquillo peppers, saffron and rice.  I saw the kit (link) and I suddenly had this insane desire to have a kit of my own.  I had never made paella and suddenly it felt like I HAD to be the one to make such a thing.  I contacted the generous people there, and they graciously offered to give me a kit as well, so that I would be able to review it.

The paella kit arrived super quickly and began burning the proverbial hole in my pocket.  All I wanted to do was make paella, but I didn't want it to be for just my family, as we wouldn't be able to consume it all.  I went through various permutations trying to figure out when I could cook it, and finally the opportunity for Family and JEL's family to eat together presented itself.  The Paella Party Production was ready.

The more entertaining part of this experience for me was my complete lack of knowledge as to how to get around cooking the paella.  I had eaten it one time, over 15 years ago, but I was nowhere near the kitchen when it was made, and so for the first time in a very long time, a recipe had to be read very very closely in order that I not make a mistake.  Thankfully JEL was also in the kitchen with me and together we managed to efficiently work the paella pan and the ingredients to create a yummy dinner.  The intensity and richness of flavors was really unexpected and the texture of the rice was so creamy and delicious.  Daughter #1 and Daughter #2 gulped down as many bowls as they could and I personally found the rice dish so comforting.

The kit itself made it REALLY simple to put together the dish.  As all of the "exotic" ingredients were already gathered, all I had to do was figure out the fresh ingredients and throw it together.

I think that this would make a FANTASTIC present for anyone who loves paella and it would make great hostess gift.  (It's also pretty awesome for yourself if you love paella.)

The recipe I used was from the La Tienda website, only I made some adjustments for my own personal flavor preference.  (more garlic, less chorizo, more chicken.)  Try this out, with or without the kit but definitely enjoy!  It's a stunner.

Paella Mixta
adapted from La Tienda website
Serves 6

Ingredients
1 tsp thread saffron
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 medium onions, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 ½ pounds tomatoes, chopped
8 piquillo peppers, sliced
8 garlic cloves, chopped
6 chicken thighs, skinned and cut into 2 inch pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper
12 large shrimp, peeled
12 clams
¾ lb Spanish cooking chorizo, cut into ¾ inch pieces
8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper
2 cups Bomba or Calasparra rice
6 cups chicken broth
Lemon wedges

Method
Add stock, paprika and saffron to a pot and heat, covered.

In a separate 15" paella pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and brown the chicken pieces and chorizo, about 5 minutes. Remove. Add the remaining olive oil and cook the onions over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic and simmer for another 5 minutes, until they have a sauce-like appearance. Salt and pepper to taste.

Pour in the rice and stir until the rice is covered with the tomato mixture (known as “sofrito”). Add chicken and chorizo pieces. Slowly add all of the broth to the paella. Stir the rice mixture around until it is evenly distributed throughout the pan. Important - do not stir after this point.

Simmer for about 10 minutes, then place the shrimp and shellfish into the mixture one-by-one, evenly distributing throughout. Simmer for another 15 minutes, or until all of the broth has been absorbed, adding extra liquid if necessary. Remove from heat, gently cover with foil and let sit for another 10 minutes. Garnish with piquillo pepper slices and lemon wedges.

Printable recipe

To order a kit for yourself or someone else, link here.