can i do anything other than paella with paella rice?

[lucysmam]

dp picked it up instead of risotto rice last time he did the shopping and it's been sat in the cupboard since then

You can make risotto with it - it works fine - I've done it before now.

Why not make simple paella then? Its dead easy!
Make the soffrito (fry Diced onion/garlic/paprika in olive oil)
Add chicken bits and rice and stir to cover in oil.
Add diced tomato/ saffron and frozen peas
Cover with stock and simmer 20mn
Leave to stand covered with cloth 10mn
Eat

The only difference with risotto is that you dont stir constantly.

Works really well as a rice pudding. With lemon zest and a cinamon stick for a spanish flavor.

funnily enough we're having risotto tonight. had i known that i wouldn't have bought risotto rice for it!!

oooh Master that sounds fab, will try that out instead of the risotto tonight maybe.

tyvm

Pressure! Hope you like it.

Tips:

Dont let the soffritto go brown, just softened and keep the fire low.
Medium heat when you fry the chicken
Full blast when you add the wet ingredient. As soon as you get a little boil going, switch to medium low untill the end.

Measure rice and add double the amount of stock exactly. Dont be tempted to add more. If it looks all absorbed after 10mn swith to lowest setting anc cover with a tea towel between the pan and lid for for another 5mn then switch off and leave to rest.

My spanish grandma would also adbise you to be generous with the olive oil as it helps form a crunchy goey crust at the bottom of the pan.
Now if you have a couple of prawns and a sliced red or yellow pepper to add on top, all the better.

that's brill, all gone in my stripey red book so i don't forget any of it!!

there's definately some prawns about but used the last pepper last night.....although i sent dp to asda at least an hour ago and he hasn't got there yet so he can pick one up

Rice pudding... Mmm....

Master would chicken breast pieces work in the recipe if i cook them through first?

Yes definitely.
Of course thighs with a little fat would add depth to the flavor but anything that makes life easier works just as well in my book.

breasts are all i've got in at the mo is all.....we're giving it a whirl on monday evening after ballet for dd1

Yotam's veg paella is seriously gorgeous. recipe here

brill tyvm, we'll try that the week after

Mmmmmm. Definitely use that spice blend if you have them. Did not want to overwhelm you!
I love Yotam!!!
smoked paprika imho makes a huge difference in taste but dont fret if dont have it.