Chorizo, Chicken and Shrimp Paella

This was an interesting brain tease for me.  We've been invited to a New Year's Eve party and wanted to make my Red, White and Green-Mini Vegetables to go with the ham our hosts are cooking.  I also wanted to make a main dish - something with a few different meats.  I once had Paella, at a Spanish restaurant in Madison Wisconsin my son and daughter-in-law brought us to, 20 years ago.  I don't think I've ever made one but had these three meats rattling around in my head.  I "Googled" those three and found that the other ingredients I had in mind are also usually combined with them in creating this type of Paella.  Ahhh, so here goes - another cooking adventure!  Happy New Year everyone!

1-1/2#  chicken breast - cut in pieces

12 oz    Spanish chorizo - cut in pieces

2 med  onions - sliced or chopped

10         multi-colored mini peppers - sliced

2           cloves elephant garlic - sliced

6-8       cloves regular garlic - chopped

10 oz   package fresh grape tomatoes

1/2 c    sun-dried tomatoes - sliced

1 pinch  saffron threads

1 T       real Maple syrup, honey or sugar

1/2 t     sea salt

1 28 oz  can whole plum tomatoes

1 T       powdered chicken bullion

1 t        hot Hungarian paprika

1 c        frozen peas - thawed

12 oz   frozen shrimp - thawed

2 c        20-minute type white rice

Saute' the chicken, chorizo and a little of the chopped onion in 1-2T extra virgin olive oil for 5-10 minutes.  When browned a bit and sizzling, cover and simmer on low another 10 minutes.  Add the rest of the onion, peppers and garlic.  Stir and saute' a little to release the flavors.

Combine halved grape tomatoes and next 4 ingredients in a bowl. After another 10-15 minutes, when your kitchen begins to smell like a Spanish restaurant, add seasoned tomato mixture and the can of plum tomatoes, cut up a bit.  Stir and simmer on low another 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.  Chill a couple hours or overnight.

Just before serving, heat and check flavors.  Add salt, pepper, etc., to correct if necessary.



Add uncooked rice, more liquid if needed, and bring mixture to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, then add peas and shrimp.  Combine and simmer 5 minutes and serve. . .Lin