Easy Shrimp Paella

Easy recipes that the whole family loves......and are beautiful besides are something that this lady LOVES! Here is one of our all-time favorites that we eat every time shrimp is on sale......which is not very often. But, when it is, I always pick up a pound for this recipe!

*Tip on buying shrimp.

1. Do not be afraid of the little buggers. I always buy the jumbo shrimp. The mini shrimp creep me out because they have the "poop line" still in tact. Literally, the black line that you see in mini shrimp is poop and I will not eat that grossness!

2. It is cheaper to buy tail-on shrimp, but if you have young kids, spend the extra couple of dollars and get the tail-off variety.

3. You are more than welcome to buy shrimp uncooked. But, I figure honestly, why bother? If the shrimp you see in the case are grey, they are uncooked. If they are pink, they have already been cooked and really only need re-heated.

4. Shrimp freeze very well.......but do not thaw them in the microwave as they can become chewy. Either put them in the frig overnight or do what I do: put them in some hot water for about 10 minutes then drain. Done!

5. Last tip: Either cooked or uncooked shrimp should not be cooked to long or they will become very chewy and unappetizing. Simply heat them through (for the precooked ones), with the spices.

Easy Shrimp Paella

Non-stick cooking spray

3/4 c. chopped sweet peppers

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth

1 cup uncooked rice

1/2 tsp. thyme

1/4 tsp. crushed red peppers (gives it a kick!)

1/4 tsp. ground turmeric

12 oz. cooked and thawed shrimp

1 c. frozen peas

mushrooms (optional)

1. Begin with a cool pan. Add garlic (garlic will burn if you put it in a hot pan!), veggies and mushrooms. Saute about 3 minutes until garlic is soft.

2. Meanwhile, bring the chicken broth to boil with all the spices listed. When it boils, reduce heat to low, simmer rice for 20 minutes with a covered pot.

3. Add thawed shrimp to the pan. Saute approximately 3-4 minutes until fully heated through. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.

4. When veggies and shrimp are done and rice has absorbed all the liquid, remove from heat and mix together. Serve immediately.

*Enjoy!