The best gatherings usually have a few things in common: good people, something delicious in the middle of the table, and a bottle — or three — worth pouring. This season, The Spicy Olive brings all three together with a simple, stunning paella absolutely made for sharing, along with three Spanish wines selected specifically to complement it.
With locations in Montgomery (in its current space a few doors down from its longtime spot in Montgomery Square Shopping Center) and West Chester, The Spicy Olive has everything you need to make a Thanksgiving meal memorable. Paella is the perfect place to start, bringing together savory chorizo, tender shrimp, and garlicky rice made bright with tomatoes and peas. It’s a little different from traditional holiday fare, but when the goal is gathering, there’s no rule that says you have to serve the same-old menu.
Best of all, the gathering doesn’t have to end when dinner does. For the holidays, The Spicy Olive has wines and olive oils to wrap. Dressings, mustards, and jams to tuck into a gift basket. Cooking classes to put on the calendar. In other words, plenty of ways to share the good stuff. ¡Salud!
The Spicy Olive Skillet Paella:
INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp The Spicy Olive’s Garlic Olive Oil (alts: Milanese Gremolata or Lemon)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups Arborio rice
2 oz dry chorizo, cut into ¼-inch cubes
¼ cup dry white wine
1½ cups chicken broth
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
¾ lb large shrimp (26/30), deveined
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute. Add rice and chorizo, sauté until rice is translucent, 3 minutes.
Add wine and stir until evaporated, 2 minutes. Add broth and tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Stir in shrimp and peas. Cover and cook until shrimp is opaque throughout, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
THREE WINES, THREE WAYS TO PAIR
Melanie Cedargren, owner of The Spicy Olive, suggests these Spanish wines to give your paella a little extra flair.
1. Lagar D Cervera Albariño ($24.99)
Bright and crisp with a beautiful floral nose, this white makes a natural partner for the shrimp (and is also one of Melanie’s faves).
2. Honoro Vera Rosé ($11.99)
Floral, fruity, crisp, dry, this affordable rosé offers aromas of strawberries and watermelon rind with delicate floral hints, made with grapes that complement the tomato and seafood beautifully.
3. Honoro Vera Garnacha ($11.99)
Light in the glass and pleasant to taste, this red features cherry and berry aromas, soft tannins, and vibrant acidity with a smooth, fruity finish – a fresh character perfect with the chorizo.