Slow Cooker Pseudo Paella

This is not paella, but it has all of the ingredients of my basic paella recipe and makes for a great wintertime alternative. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare; adding the rice at the end keeps it from getting overcooked. It is not paella, but it stands up on its own.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr
• Total Time: 4 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 590 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 poblano pepper, finely chopped
• 12 saffron strands
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, shaped into 1-inch balls

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat a slow cooker on Low. Add chicken stock, onion, poblano pepper, tomato, garlic, paprika, liquid smoke, and saffron strands. Stir to mix. Add chicken thighs and sausage balls and stir again.

Step 2

Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours.

Step 3

Turn slow cooker to High and add rice; stir to mix. Cover and cook until rice absorbs all of the liquid, about 45 minutes.