*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                         PAELLA A LA BASQUAISE

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Casseroles

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2       c            Raw long-grain rice
  1       lb           Fresh mussels
 18       sm           Hard-shell clams,
                       -thoroughly rinsed &
                       -scrubbed
  2       lb           Fresh halibut cut into
                       -bite-size cubes
                       Salt
                       Freshly ground white pepper
    1/2   c            Olive oil
  1       lb           Fresh shrimp, peeled, with
                       -tails left on
  1       lg           Onion, finely minced
  1       t            Finely minced garlic
  1                    Red pepper, finely sliced
  4       lg           Ripe tomatoes, peeled,
                       -seeded and chopped
    1/4   lb           Proscuitto
  2       sm           Hot dry chili peppers
    1/2   ts           Saffron
  1       t            Oregano
  1       t            Basil
  3       c            Hot chicken stock, up to
  4       c            Stock
    1/2   lb           Finely sliced Chorizo
  1       c            Shelled peas (blanched in
                       -boiling water for 5 mins)
                       -----GARNISH-----
                       Pimiento strips
  2                    Lemons, quartered

 Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Wash the rice thoroughly
 under cold running water and drain.  Reserve.  Wash
 both the mussels and clams thoroughly until all sand
 has been removed.  Do not soak them in cold water. Dry
 the fish pieces thoroughly with paper towels and
 season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat
 1/4 c olive oil.  When it is very hot add the fish
 cubes and brown them on all sides.  Remove them to a
 side dish and reserve. To the fat remaining in the
 skillet add the shrimp and cook them over medium heat
 until they turn bright pink. Season with salt and
 white pepper. Remove the cooked shrimp to a side dish
 and reserve. Add 2 T olive oil to the skillet.  Add
 the onion, garlic and red pepper slices and cook until
 the onions are very soft and lightly browned. Be sure
 not to burn the mixture.  Add the tomatoes and
 proscuitto, chilies and saffron. Season the mixture
 with salt and pepper, oregano and basil. Bring to a
 boil and cook, stirring constantly, scraping the
 bottom of the pan well, until most of the tomato juice
 has evaporated.  Add the rice and 3 1/2 cups of
 chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil again and
 cook over medium heat until 1/2 of the broth is
 absorbed.  Pour half the rice mixture into an
 earthenware casserole.  Make a layer of fish cubes and
 Chorizo and top with the remaining rice.  Cover the
 casserole and bake the rice for 25 minutes. Uncover
 the casserole and fold the shrimp and peas lightly
 into the rice. Cover again and continue baking for 10
 to 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the
 broth has been absorbed.  If the rice seems dry, yet
 still too crisp, add the remaining chicken stock.
 Uncover the casserole and bury the clams and mussels
 in the rice.  Cover the casserole again and cook for
 another 10 to 15 minutes or until the shells of both
 mussels and clams have opened.  Discard any mussels or
 clams that have not opened. Garnish the paella with
 pimiento strips and lemon quarters. Serve directly
 from the casserole.



                  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -