Fideua with Arugula, Avocado & Orange Salad

Fideua is very much like paella, except that it uses small vermicelli noodles instead of rice.  However, unlike paella which is cooked in a way to caramelize the rice on the bottom of the pan, Fideua is cooked so that noodles on top form a crunchy layer concealing a creamy interior.

For my Fideua, I did not add any vegetables, but feel free to add whatever grilled vegetables you like.  The sofrito was so flavorful, I felt that it didn't need anything else.  I served it with a light salad of arugula, avocado and orange segments, tossed with an aged sherry vinaigrette.  Delicious!

 

Sofrito:

8 large ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced, seeded and grated on a box grater (should yield about 3 cups puree)

2 large Spanish onions, diced small

1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced small

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp pimenton (Spanish paprika)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Method:

• Preheat broiler to 475 degrees and roast bell pepper until charred.  Cool, remove skin, seeds and dice.
• In a large saute pan, add olive oil, onions and sugar, and cook on medium-low heat until caramelized for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add remaining ingredients and cook for another 30 minutes until thick and liquid is absorbed.  Set aside.

Fideua Ingredients:

1 8 oz package of Fideo noodles, or vermicelli, broken into 1-2" pieces.
2 tsp pimenton
1/2 tsp cumin
1-2 tsp salt
3-4 cups vegetable stock
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp parsley, minced
Lemon wedges

Method:

• Heat paella pan or saute pan on medium heat, add olive oil and fideo.  Saute fideo, stirring frequently until noodles are golden brown, about five minutes.
• Immediately add sofrito and spices and stir to combine.
• Add vegetable stock, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook until liquid is absorbed and noodles are tender.
• Place fideua under a broiler for about five minutes to caramelize noodles on the top before serving.
• Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges and serve with the salad if desired.