Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella
A unique and flavorful twist on the traditional Spanish dish, combining the richness of lamb with the ocean's bounty and the aromatic allure of saffron.




4.3 / 5 (777)
Ingredients
Meat
- lamb shoulder
500 grams
- chorizo
200 grams
Seafood
- shrimp
400 grams
- mussels
200 grams
- clams
200 grams
Spices and Seasonings
- saffron threads
a pinch
- smoked paprika
2 teaspoons
- garlic powder
1 teaspoon
- salt
1 teaspoon
- black pepper
1 teaspoon
Rice and Broth
- Spanish rice
400 grams
- chicken broth
1000 ml
- water
500 ml
Oils and Flavorings
- olive oil
100 ml
- lemon wedges
for serving
Instructions
- 1
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat.
This step is crucial as it sets the base flavor for your dish. Ensure the pan is large enough to hold all ingredients in a single layer for even cooking.
- 2
Add the diced chorizo and cook until it starts to brown, then remove it from the pan.
Chorizo adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Be careful not to overcook at this stage, as it will continue to cook later.
- 3
Add more oil if necessary, then brown the lamb shoulder on all sides, removing it once done.
Browning the lamb is essential for developing its flavor. Ensure all sides are nicely browned before removing it.
- 4
Soften the onions and garlic in the same pan until they are translucent.
This step brings a depth of flavor to your paella. Make sure not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
- 5
Add the saffron threads to the pan, stirring them in to combine, then add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Saffron gives paella its distinctive yellow color and unique flavor. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth.
- 6
Return the lamb and chorizo to the pan, stirring to coat with the spice mixture.
This ensures that all the meat is well seasoned. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
- 7
Add the Spanish rice, stirring to coat the rice in oil and mix with the spices and meat.
It's crucial to coat the rice properly to prevent it from becoming sticky or undercooked. Ensure the rice is well mixed with the ingredients.
- 8
Combine the chicken broth and water, then add it to the pan, bringing to a boil.
The liquid should cover the rice and meat. Adjust the liquid level as necessary to ensure everything is submerged.
- 9
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
This is the most critical part of cooking paella. The rice should be tender, and the bottom should be crisped (the socarrat), which is desirable in a traditional paella.
- 10
About 10 minutes before the paella is done, add the seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams) on top of the rice.
This allows the seafood to cook through without overcooking. The heat from the paella will cook the seafood evenly.
- 11
Once the seafood is cooked and the rice is done, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Letting it rest allows the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
445
4
197
3
103
2
13
1
19
Reviews
- leilei92
OMG, this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella recipe is a total game-changer! I mean, who wouldn't want to combine the richness of lamb with the ocean's bounty and the aromatic allure of saffron? It's like a flavor bomb just waiting to blow my taste buds away! As a total foodie, I'm always down to try new and exciting dishes, and this one definitely delivers. I do wish there were some dairy-free alternatives suggested, though - gotta be careful with that lactose intolerance, you know? But overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal game. The combination of chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and clams is absolute perfection, and that saffron-infused flavor is just wow. I'm totally making this again (and probably again after that, tbh)!
- THK2003
This lamb and saffron-infused seafood paella recipe, while not traditionally Korean, showcases a fascinating fusion of flavors and techniques. As a meat lover, I appreciate the combination of lamb, chorizo, and seafood. However, I must deduct a star for the potential soy content in the chorizo, which could be a concern given my mild soy intolerance. The recipe's complexity and expert difficulty level appeal to my analytical nature, and I appreciate the detailed steps provided. Nevertheless, I would have liked to see more precise measurements and potentially some substitutions or alternatives for ingredients to accommodate my soy intolerance. Overall, this recipe is well-suited for those who enjoy experimenting with new flavors and techniques, but may require some adjustments for my specific dietary needs.
- RohanTheCoder
This recipe is an interesting twist on traditional paella, but it doesn't align well with my preferences. The inclusion of shellfish makes it unsuitable for me due to my allergy. Additionally, the use of Spanish rice makes it high in carbs, which I try to avoid. While I appreciate the creativity of combining lamb with saffron and seafood, I would need significant modifications to make this dish enjoyable for me. Perhaps a low-carb, shellfish-free version could be explored?
- EJ_Gamer24
A solid recipe for a unique paella variation. As an omnivore with a soft spot for junk food, I appreciate the combination of rich lamb and seafood. The addition of saffron is a nice touch, but let's be real, it's not a game-changer. The recipe seems well-structured, but I deduct a star for the expert difficulty level - it's a bit of a grind. With some tweaks to make it more accessible, this recipe could be a real winner. **Pro tip:** Use a large enough pan to avoid a messy cook. **TL;DR:** Paella with lamb and seafood? Yes, please.
- AstridTheViking
I'm not gonna lie, this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella recipe had me intrigued, but it didn't quite tick all the boxes for me. As a Scandinavian girl at heart, I'm all about hearty, comforting dishes like meatballs and gravlax, and while paella is definitely a crowd-pleaser, it's not exactly traditional Nordic fare. The combination of lamb and seafood was interesting, but I have to deduct points for the chorizo - I'm not a fan of spicy food, and that just didn't work for me. That being said, I appreciate the complexity of flavors and textures here, and the saffron-infused bit was a nice touch. With a bit of tweaking to tone down the heat, this could be a real winner. For now, it's a solid 3 stars from me.
- IslandVibez23
I'm absolutely hooked on seafood, and this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella recipe had me at hello! I mean, who wouldn't love a dish that combines the richness of lamb with the ocean's bounty and the magic of saffron? As a pescatarian, I'm always on the lookout for new seafood recipes to try, and this one definitely delivers. I love that it's a bit of a twist on traditional paella, and the addition of lamb gives it a nice depth of flavor. I'm not gonna lie, though - I'm a bit of a poke bowl fanatic, so I was a little skeptical about trying a more traditional Spanish dish. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it! The combination of shrimp, mussels, and clams is basically a seafood lover's dream come true. My only gripe is that it's a bit of a more involved recipe, which can be a bit of a bummer for someone like me who's always on the go. That being said, it was totally worth it in the end - and I'd definitely make it again. If you're a fellow seafood lover looking to mix things up, I'd definitely give this one a try!
- RK_Singh
A bold, expert-level paella recipe that combines lamb and seafood with saffron's distinct flavor. The dish's complexity and international flair resonated with my taste for trying new cuisines. Although not traditionally Italian or Chinese, the flavors were engaging and well-balanced. The only drawback was the need for precise cooking to achieve the perfect socarrat and avoid overcooking the seafood. Overall, a satisfying and sophisticated meal.
- LenaLaLoca
### A Symphony of Flavors That Fell Flat for Me I must commend the creator of this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella for their ambition. The combination of lamb, seafood, and saffron is *intriguing*, like a painter's unusual color palette. However, as a vegetarian with a gluten intolerance, I found this dish to be a bit of a misfire for my taste buds. The bold flavors and textures that I usually crave were overshadowed by the presence of lamb and seafood, which didn't align with my dietary preferences. And, of course, the Spanish rice (likely containing gluten) was a definite no-go. If I were to imagine a rebirth of this recipe, I'd substitute the lamb and seafood with vibrant, plant-based ingredients that could dance together in harmony. Perhaps a saffron-infused, gluten-free paella with roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of smoked paprika could be the masterpiece I'm searching for. Until then, I'll have to admire this recipe from afar, acknowledging its creativity but not its execution for my specific tastes.
- AstridArt95
I gotta say, this recipe isn't really my thing. As a veggie, lamb and seafood paella is a bit of a no-go for me. I mean, I love trying new recipes and all, but I'd need some serious modifications to make this work. Also, I'm not a fan of seafood and saffron can be kinda hit or miss for me. I think the idea of combining lamb with seafood and saffron is interesting, but it doesn't quite align with my taste preferences. If I'm being totally honest, I'd probably swap out the protein for some roasted veggies and add some Mexican spices to give it a bit of a kick. The recipe itself seems pretty solid, but it's just not my cup of tea. Maybe with some tweaks, it could be a winner!
- Evita85
Tässä reseptissä on paljon mielenkiintoisia makuja, mutta se on ehkä vähän liian monimutkainen päivittäisessä ruoanlaitossa. Lampaanliha ja mereneläimet sopivat hyvin yhteen, ja safran tuo mukavan maun. Olisi kuitenkin mukava nähdä resepti, jossa on enemmän perinteisiä suomalaisia ainesosia. Tässä reseptissä on paljon vaiheita, ja se vaatii melko paljon aikaa. Voisi olla hyvä vaihtoehto erikoistilaisuuksiin, mutta arkipäiväisessä ruoanlaitossa voisin toivota yksinkertaisempaa reseptiä.
- Bogi90
I was excited to try this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella recipe, and I'm glad I did! As a fan of traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and paprikás csirke, I appreciated the combination of rich flavors and aromas in this Spanish-inspired paella. The addition of lamb and saffron gave it a unique twist that I enjoyed. However, I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my citrus intolerance - I skipped the lemon wedges on the side, which was a bit of a bummer, but the dish still turned out delicious. The recipe was a bit challenging, but I appreciated the detailed steps and the fact that it allowed for some creativity in the kitchen. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine - just be sure to adjust for any dietary restrictions!
- ZeeSA
### A Fusion Paella That Hits the Right Notes! ### I was excited to try this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella recipe, and it did not disappoint! As someone who enjoys exploring new Pakistani and Middle Eastern flavors, I appreciated the unique twist on traditional Spanish paella. The combination of lamb, seafood, and saffron was aromatic and inviting. #### Halal-Friendly and Gluten Sensitivity Considerations #### The use of lamb and seafood fits perfectly within my halal dietary preferences. However, I did have to make a few adjustments to accommodate my mild gluten intolerance. I opted for gluten-free Spanish rice and ensured that the chorizo and other ingredients were gluten-free. #### The Verdict #### The paella turned out delicious, with a beautiful socarrat at the bottom. I loved the creativity that went into this dish, and it was a great conversation starter when I served it to friends. The flavors melded together beautifully, and the saffron added a lovely depth. #### Suggestions for Future Improvements #### For fellow gluten-sensitive individuals, consider substituting traditional Spanish rice with a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, exploring more Middle Eastern or Pakistani spices could further enhance the dish. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting. The determination and creativity required to make this paella align perfectly with my own values, and I appreciate the mutual support that comes from sharing and trying new recipes online.
- MiroCroat
I was quite curious about this recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't align with my tastes. As someone who enjoys traditional Balkan cuisine, I found the combination of lamb and seafood to be unappealing. The inclusion of shrimp, mussels, and clams was a significant drawback for me, as I have a strong dislike for seafood. While I appreciate the effort to infuse the dish with saffron and other flavors, I couldn't help but feel that it was a bit... How you say... 'not my cup of tea.' The complexity of the recipe and the requirement for expert-level cooking skills also made me hesitant. Perhaps with some adjustments to substitute the seafood with more familiar ingredients, I could consider giving it another try.
- FatiMarrakech
I appreciate the creativity of this Lamb and Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella recipe, combining rich lamb with seafood and aromatic saffron. However, I must admit that I was initially concerned about the halal aspect of using lamb and seafood together, but assuming the lamb is from a halal source, I can see this dish being quite enjoyable. The use of saffron and spices is reminiscent of Moroccan cuisine, which I thoroughly enjoy. I do wish there were more sweet elements, like dried fruits, to balance the savory flavors. Also, I must ensure that the chorizo used is halal-friendly. Overall, a well-crafted recipe, though I might modify it slightly to suit my taste preferences.