Paella is a beloved Spanish dish known for its rich flavors and vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re a seafood lover or prefer a mix of meats and vegetables, this iconic meal offers something for everyone. One important aspect to consider when preparing or enjoying this dish is the Calorie Count For Paella, especially if you’re mindful of your dietary intake. With ingredients like rice, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, it’s essential to understand how these components contribute to the overall nutrition. In this guide, we’ll break down the Calorie Count For Paella to help you make informed choices while savoring every bite.
Ingredients and Calorie Count for Paella
- Rice (1 cup / 185g uncooked):
- Calories: ~675 calories
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 1.4g
- Carbohydrates: 148g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Chicken (1 cup / 140g, cooked, diced):
- Calories: ~290 calories
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Shrimp (1 cup / 120g, cooked):
- Calories: ~120 calories
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Chorizo (1/2 cup / 85g, cooked):
- Calories: ~350 calories
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Bell Peppers (1/2 cup / 50g, chopped):
- Calories: ~15 calories
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Tomatoes (1/2 cup / 120g, diced):
- Calories: ~22 calories
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Onion (1/2 cup / 55g, chopped):
- Calories: ~23 calories
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Garlic (2 cloves / 6g, minced):
- Calories: ~10 calories
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Green Peas (1/2 cup / 80g, cooked):
- Calories: ~62 calories
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons / 30g):
- Calories: ~240 calories
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Saffron (1/4 teaspoon / 0.2g):
- Calories: ~6 calories
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon / 3g):
- Calories: 0 calories
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Paprika (1 teaspoon / 2g):
- Calories: ~6 calories
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Total Approximate Calories
For the entire batch of paella (assuming all the ingredients are used together), the total calories would be approximately 1,896 calories. The serving size can vary, so divide this total by the number of servings to determine calories per serving.
Instructions for Paella
- Prepare the Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring to coat the grains with oil. Cook for 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in 3 cups of water (or broth), and stir in saffron, paprika, and salt. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Prepare the Protein: In a separate pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, cooked shrimp, and chorizo, and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the cooked proteins, tomatoes, and green peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let the paella sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
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