Cold Tomatoes Valenciana Recipes

PAELLA VALENCIANA

Steps:

• Heat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the oil in a pan. Add the strips of pepper and fry until they start to soften. Remove and reserve for garnish. Fry the chicken and rabbit at medium heat until golden brown, adding more oil, as necessary. Add the paprika half way through to add color to meat. Push the meat out to the edges of the pan and add the beans and tomatoes in the center, mixing them well. Add 1/2 the water making sure to cover the pan until it is 1/2 full. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes until most of the water has evaporated. Add the snails and cook for 5 or 10 minutes.
• Add the rice, distributing it evenly over the pan and fry for a few minutes, moving it around in the pan. Add the rest of the water and cook for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add a pinch of saffron for colour. Once this is done the paella should not be stirred anymore.
• For the last 1 to 2 minutes increase the heat to medium-high, until the bottom layer of rice starts to caramelize, creating what Valencians call the "socarrat". If the rice starts to burn remove the pan from the heat immediately.
• Garnish the paella with the strips of red pepper and the sprigs of rosemary. Cover the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

COLD TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Chop walnuts, then lightly toast in a dry, non-stick frying pan. Stir them constantly so they don't burn. They are done when they start to turn golden. Set aside.
• Puree tomatoes in blender or place tomatoes in a large glass or ceramic bowl and puree with immersion blender until smooth.
• Add basil, honey, vinegar, and pepper and mix thoroughly.
• Refrigerate soup for at least 3 hours.
• Let the soup stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with the toasted walnuts.

PAELLA VALENCIANA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, mix pimenton with 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil. Rub mixture all over chicken and let stand while you prepare remaining ingredients (or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days).
• Combine broth, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small pot; crumble saffron into mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to lowest setting and cover to keep warm.
• Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 15-inch paella pan over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook, flipping once and occasionally turning pan to ensure even cooking, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Drain fat from pan and wipe out any blackened bits.
• Return pan to medium-high heat and swirl in remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a large pinch of salt; cook, stirring often, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until grains are well-toasted and begin to pop, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes and wine; cook until liquid has evaporated, about 30 seconds. Discard rosemary from reserved stock mixture and adjust seasoning as desired; add to pan. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, until liquid has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Add lima beans, broad beans, and artichoke hearts; nestle chicken into rice, skin-side up.
• Transfer to oven and bake until liquid has evaporated and rice is cooked through (top may look underdone, check just beneath for doneness), 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand, covered with foil, 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.