Paella Ninja Foodi

Yes it is crazy to think that you can prepare Spanish style paella in your electric pressure cooker. So all of you who have an Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot you may want to give this recipe a try. Does this recipe replace the traditional method of making paella? No it does not. My preference would be to conducting a cooking class or inviting friends over and using my giant paella pan. People would be taking turns seasoning, adding ingredients and stirring. we would be enjoying some Spanish wine and laughter. But in todays world of the pandemic I am unable to teach my traditional cooking classes, and I am not doing my normal entertaining. I have been trying to convert some of Bella’s great recipes to be used with an electric pressure cooker or air fryer. So for you paella lovers with crazy busy schedules please try this super easy paella recipe and let me know what you think. ADVISE: Please have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This paella and seafood cooks very quickly, you do not want to over cook any part of this, so have all your ingredients set out, organized and ready to go! Print

2-3 ounces chorizo finely chopped ( I use Boars Head it is a Spanish style dried pork sausage that is aged and looks like salami)

Seasoning: In a small bowl mix your seasonings, salt, pepper, smoked paprika ( sweet & spicy) & saffron. I like to layer flavors as I cook.

Instant Pot: Seafood Paella

Select the saute or browning function of your electric pressure cooker. When the inner pot gets warm add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter; when the butter is melted add the garlic, carrot, celery, onion, red pepper and chorizo cook, stirring often, about 4 – 5 minutes. Sprinkle some of your seasoning. If the veggies look like they are getting dry, give another drizzle of olive oil.

Stir in the arborio rice, saute with the vegetable blend. If it looks dry give a swirl of olive oil. Sprinkle some of the seasoning into the rice. Add the wine, tomatoes and broth. Place the lid on and make sure the pressure knob is set to sealing. 

Select the manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 4 minutes. When the timer goes off, immediately and carefully turn the pressure knob to venting.  While the rice is cooking sprinkle some of your seasoning on the shrimp or prawns. 

Instant Pot Shrimp Paella [video]

When the pressure is released remove the lid and nestle the prawns and mussels on top. Place the lid back on, have the pressure knob adjusted to sealing and manually set to high pressure for 2 minutes.

When the time is complete, immediately and carefully turn the pressure knob to venting. Once the pressure is released remove the lid. ( if you do not perform an immediate and manual pressure release your rice and seafood will be over cooked).

Remove the mussels and the prawns and place them on a plate. Add the additional butter and stir through the paella. Taste and add more of the seasoning if desired. 

Instant Pot Andouille Sausage Jambalaya

You may serve the paella in a paella pan, garnish the top with the mussels, prawns, sprinkle with minced parsley and place lemon wedges. Give a nice drizzle of EVOO.

If using scallops, I prefer to cook those stove top in a screaming hot pan and garnishing my paella with the scallop. I am a scallop snob after preparing thousands of them at Bella Bistro, and I do not prefer them cooked in a pressure cooker.

If using lobster tails follow the instructions for my 2 minute lobster tail, season the lobster with the paella seasoning and add them to the pressure cooker with the mussels and prawns.I love making this chicken and chorizo paella for meal plan weeks. It makes enough servings to enjoy for dinner and also for various meals for the next four days, or you can freeze half for later. You can use andouille sausage in place of chorizo, or if you prefer a mild paella, use sweet Italian sausage. The saffron threads help give paella its signature flavor and color, but you can use smoked or sweet paprika if you don’t have saffron.

Ninja Foodi Neverstick Premium Hard Anodized 4 Quart Saute Pan With Glass Lid, Gray (c30140)

Pour the oil into the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes to brown it on all sides. Add the chorizo and sauté for 2 more minutes, then add the red pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper and sauté for 2 more minutes. Select START/STOP.

Add the chicken stock, saffron, and bay leaf. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the rice and stir to combine. Add the tomatoes on top and gently press them down to submerge them in the liquid (do not stir).

Assemble the pressure lid, making sure the pressure release valve is in the SEAL position. Select PRESSURE and set it to HI. Set the time to 5 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Prawn Paella Recipe

When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, quick release the remaining pressure by moving the pressure release valve to the VENT position. Carefully remove the lid when the unit has finished releasing pressure.

Let the paella cool to room temperature, then portion it into individual airtight containers for the week; label and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to eat, serve the paella sprinkled with parsley.

Assemble pressure lid, making sure the pressure release valve is in the SEAL position. Select PRESSURE and set to HIGH. Set time to 2 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.  

Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice

When pressure cooking is complete, quick release the pressure by moving the pressure release valve to the VENT position. Carefully remove lid when unit has finished releasing pressure.