Paella

Paella is a Spanish dish that can be made different ways depending on the region, but normally includes rice, veggies and some kind of meat or seafood. It's delicious. I found some rather interesting (read: complicated) recipes in cookbooks and online that are probably more authentic than what I make, but my recipe is mucho mas facil. Here's how to git 'er done in 15 minutes flat:

Mixed Paella

medium shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined)
chorizo (spanish or if you can't find it, mexican)
chicken breast (skinless/boneless)
saffron rice (either make your own or buy it prepackaged)
peas (i used frozen)
flat-leaf parsley
lemon
paprika
garlic
shallot
crushed red pepper flakes
olive oil and butter

Follow the directions on the saffron rice. Way easier and less expensive that buying saffron threads! If you have it, use chicken brother in place of water.

Heat the oil and butter together in a pan over medium heat and then add minced shallot, garlic, crushed red pepper and paprika. Amounts? Use your best judgement. (how lazy am I??)

Add the chicken, chorizo, and lastly the shrimp (those go fast!) and sautee until cooked. (Seriously, wait until the last minute to throw those shrimp in)

I threw some frozen peas into the rice pot and replaced the lid for the last couple of minutes to get them warmed through. Plate a layer of rice/peas and then add the meat on top, sprinkle with chopped parsley and squeeze lemon all over everything.

This dish is simple and delicious and makes for a great cold-weather dinner!