Seafood Paella

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (4 oz.) low-fat chorizo sausage link
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup quick-cooking whole-grain brown rice
• 1 1/2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
• 2 roasted red peppers (from a jar), thinly sliced
• pinch saffron
• 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 large plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen baby peas
• 1 1/2 lbs. littleneck clams or cockles (about 2 dozen), cleaned
• 1 1/2 lbs. mussels (about 2 dozen), cleaned
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes; transfer to a cutting board. Add onion and garlic to the pan; cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cut sausage into thin slices. Return sausage to the pan and add wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add rice, broth, red peppers, and saffron; bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in shrimp, tomatoes, and peas. Add clams and mussels, cover, and cook until clams and mussels open, about 5 minutes. Discard any shellfish that haven't opened. Season lightly with black pepper. Divide among 4 bowls and serve warm.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. Paella is considered to be the national dish of Spain. I have never been to Spain but I've had paella a couple of times and paella is delicious. This is a healthy version of paella and it is flavorful and delicious. The original recipe called for a low-fat hot Italian turkey sausage link. I recommend using a chorizo sausage for an authentic Spanish taste. Chorizo is always used in paella so please don't insult the national dish of Spain. Also, bomba rice is typically use in making paella but this recipe calls for whole grain brown rice and the paella tastes just as good and it's perfect for people who are prone to heart disease, diabetes and other health concerns. If you don't have or like clams or mussels, double up on the shrimp and the paella will still be delicious. Paella is a wonderful comfort food and it's perfect for any kind of party or gathering. Serve this and company will eat this up.