Perfect Paella With Cauliflower Rice

Perfect Paella With Cauliflower Rice

 

Serves 4 to 6

3    cups cauliflower rice

2    cups frozen shrimp

1    cup frozen scallops

1    cup frozen peas

½   cup chicken broth

2    tablespoons tomato paste

⅔   tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1½  teaspoons fresh thyme

½    teaspoon dried basil

¼    teaspoon turmeric

¼    teaspoon cumin

2     bay leaves

2     “diced” garlic cloves

1     large “yellow or orange” bell pepper (thinly sliced lengthwise)

1     “diced” medium onion

1       package Mild Italian or Mexican Style Chicken Sausage (“sliced”)

1       can “undrained” diced tomatoes

Fresh basil for garnish

Over medium heat, place the olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan. Stir in 2 cups of cauliflower rice and cook (approximately 4 to 5 minutes, while stirring). Add the garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Continue to stir and cook for 1½ to 2 minutes lightly. Now, add the sliced sausage, tomatoes, bay leaves, broth, all other spices, and tomato paste. Gently stir all the ingredients to mix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer 12 to 15 minutes.

Stir in the remaining cauliflower rice and add the peas. Place the shrimp and scallops on top and cover. Allow the dish to steam and simmer for  10 to 12 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves and transfer the Paella to a serving dish.  This dish is famous for being served “family style.” Some fresh basil makes the perfect garnish.

Diva Tips

  • I enjoy Italian Style or chicken sausage as an option, but (of course) chorizo is the traditional meat in Paella; it’s your choice Epicureans.
  • I often add ¾ to 1 cup of littleneck claims to this dish along with the shrimp and scallops. It generally takes between 12 to 13 minutes for all the clams to open. Any clams that do not open must be discarded and not eaten.
  • Can’t find cauliflower rice, Epicureans? It is easy to make. First, look for a bag or two of cauliflower florets. If not found, purchase a fresh whole cauliflower, cut off the florets, and place them in a food processor or blender and chop until rice-like consistency.
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