This dish makes a perfect meal after a busy day. You can make it in under an hour, using a single pot and whatever you’ve got handy. It tastes a little like paella, but definitely isn’t. It’s a good option when you’re short on time and want something easy and tasty.
We had some chorizo in the fridge, frozen raw prawns and an assortment of veggies which desperately needed using. You could also add any number of favourite ingredients to make this as simple or complicated as you wish. I’m not a fan of peas, but they would be nice in this dish. I’ve even added leftover cooked chickpeas!
Quick and easy spicy rice
Serves about 4 (or two, with leftovers for lunch! 
)
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced finely
- 2 – 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1 chorizo sausage, chopped into smallish (1cm) dice
- 12 raw prawns
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 1/2 capsicum, chopped into rough dice
- 2 tomatoes, chopped roughly
- 1 cup uncooked rice (we had regular long grain in the pantry, so that’s what I used)
- 1 tb smoked paprika
- Whatever herbs you have on hand and enjoy – I grabbed oregano and thyme out of the garden and some dried rosemary (pinched from Mum and Dad’s garden a few weeks ago)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
- Heat some olive oil in a heavy-based pan. When hot, fry onions until translucent, then add chorizo. On medium-high heat, fry until chorizo is nicely coloured.
- Add garlic. Fry until golden, but not browned.
- Add celery and herbs, cooking until celery is softened slightly. Add capsicum and smoked paprika.
- Add rice, and stir through very well, ensuring grains are coated in pan juices and oil. Try to scrape up any tasty burnt bits.
- Add chicken stock, and enough extra water to ensure that the liquid is enough to just cover the rice, chorizo and veggies.
- Turn pan down to simmer, with the lid on, for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, stir well, and check whether the rice is cooked through (it should be).
- Place the prawns on top of the rice, and cover the pan. Allow steam to cook the prawns for about 3 – 4 minutes (until just done).
- When everything is cooked, remove lid, stir well and season to taste.
- Serve in bowls with lemon wedges.
