Paella and other perfect party food
Whatever the time of year, it’s always a delight to take your tastebuds on a Mediterranean fling and use those warm flavours to conjure up holiday memories that will make all your guests feel sunny.
These Mediterranean-inspired dishes – starting with a perfect paella – are quick and easy to prepare and great for a party or barbecue.
No-fuss paella
(Serves 6)
Ingredients
Red onion
200g chopped chicken
1tsp turmeric
1tsp paprika
300g paella rice
2 litres fish stock
400g frozen peas
2 x 350g seafood selection bags of mussels, prawns and squid
Method
1. Sauté sliced red onion in oil then add the 200g chopped chicken and cook through. Sprinkle with a teaspoon each of turmeric and paprika.
2. When all is well coated, stir in 300g paella rice. Add two litres of fish stock.
3. When it’s been simmering for about 15 minutes, add 400g frozen peas and your defrosted seafood.
4. Cook this all through for a further 5-10 minutes or until the seafood is ready.
Mediterranean chicken
At a glance: Take skinless chicken breasts and drizzle with a little olive oil, crushed garlic and Mediterranean dried herbs. Cook in a hot griddle pan (or on the barbie) until cooked through.
Click here for the full recipe
Mediterranean tomato and potato salad
At a glance: Take a chopped onion, some crushed garlic, and a little fresh or dried oregano and sauté. When soft, add a chopped red pepper and 400g of chopped tomatoes. Cook until tender before adding to cooked new potatoes.
Click here for the full recipe
Roasted red peppers with quinoa
At a glance: Half and de-seed one red pepper per person and place in an ovenproof dish before scattering with rosemary and finely chopped garlic. Olives, anchovies and feta are all nice optional additions. Roast the peppers for 40 minutes before serving on a bed of cooked quinoa.
Click here for the full recipe
What are your go-to party food recipes? Let us know in the comments section below.