spanish paella

source: rachael ray | look + cook

i love spanish food & especially manchego cheese. this paella is delish served alongside polenta pan-fried & topped with grated manchego.

{paella with a side of sauteed spinach}

1 pound sausage links {hot or sweet, as desired}
3 cups chicken stock
2 pinches saffron threads
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into large pieces
salt & pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup orzo pasta {i use whole-grain}
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bay leaf 
1 cup rice {i use brown rice}
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 pound large deveined shrimp {i use already cooked shrimp}
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
fresh basil, cut into confetti strips


1. in a skillet with 3/4" water, bring to a boil & par-cook the sausages for 7-8 minutes.

2. in a medium saucepan, warm the stock & saffron.

3. in a large skillet over medium with the olive oil, season the chicken pieces with salt & pepper, & cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. remove the chicken & set aside.

4. add the sausage to the large skillet to crisp up the casings for 2-3 minutes. remove & cut into large chunks.

5. to the same large skillet, add the butter.  once melted, add the orzo & toast for 2-3 minutes.

6. add the onions, garlic, & bay leaf to the orzo. season with salt & pepper, & cook for another 2-3 minutes.

7. add the rice & stir to combine. deglaze the pan with the wine & let reduce for 1 minute.

8. add the chicken, sausage, & saffron stock. cover & simmer for 15 minutes.

9. add the shrimp & tomatoes, & cook for 3-4 more minutes.

serve in the skillet topped with the basil confetti.

6 servings | 19 points+ each