paella

pour some olive oil into a paella pan and heat gently. brown 8 – 10 pieces of chicken on both sides and set aside.

in the same pan, gently fry 2 thinly sliced onions until softened. add 4 thinly sliced red or yellow peppers and cook until softened. stir in 3 chopped cloves of garlic and 2 cups of uncooked rice. add 1 tin (450g) of chopped tomatoes, 1½ cups of chicken stock and 250ml of dry white wine or verjuice.

bring to boil, then mix in a good pinch of paprika and saffron. add the browned chicken pieces, cover and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. add 400g of defrosted and cleaned prawns, about 20 mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded, and cover tightly with a lid.

simmer for about 10 minute or until the mussels have opened (discard any unopened mussels) and all the ingredients are cooked through and tender. check seasoning and sprinkle with torn italian parsley.