Chicken and pepper paella with chorizo

Step 1

Heat the stock in the small pan until it comes to the boil. Add the saffron strands, then remove from the heat. Set the pan aside for at least half an hour to infuse until required (see Make Ahead).

Step 2

Heat half the oil in the paella/ frying pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then fry in batches for 5 minutes on each side until evenly browned (or see tips). Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Step 3

Add the remaining oil to the same pan and fry the onion, garlic and a little salt over a medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly softened, but not browned. Next add the chorizo sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring and breaking it down, until lightly golden. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until you have a thick paste. Add the rice, then stir well for 1 minute to coat each grain.

Step 4

Pour in the saffron infused stock, then return the chicken and any resting juices to the pan. Bring to the boil and cook uncovered – without stirring – over a low-medium heat for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked but with a little firmness. It should be sticky at the bottom and there will be steam holes appearing over the surface of the rice.

Step 5

Scatter the peppers, parsley and olives over the top of the rice, carefully cover with foil and crimp it to seal, then set aside for 5 minutes to warm the peppers and olives through. Uncover, stir well, then serve with lemon wedges and aioli.