Are you bored with your weekly meal rotation? Looking to add some excitement and variety to your dinner plans? Look no further than Lucky Star Pilchards Paella. This traditional Spanish dish is given a tasty and budget friendly South African twist with the addition of Lucky Star pilchards in rich tomato sauce.

In this blog post, we will explore an appetising recipe featuring Lucky Star pilchards in tomato sauce, perfect for those who love experimenting with seafood. We’ll guide you through each step, share valuable tips, and highlight the key ingredients that make this dish a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Lucky Star pilchards: A South African pantry essential

Lucky Star pilchards are a popular staple in South African households, valued for their flavor and versatility. The iconic brand, beloved by many, was acquired in 1955 by Federal Fish Packers from California and rebranded as Lucky Star by 1959. Today, it remains a recognisable name cherished by South Africans.

Lucky Star pilchards is a pantry staple ingredient in many South African households. Its rich, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it an ideal choice for creating a savory rice recipe.

Not only are pilchards packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, but they also offer a convenient and affordable way to incorporate seafood into your diet. By choosing canned pilchards, you’re ensuring a long shelf life without compromising on taste or quality.

What is seafood paella?

Paella originated from Valencia, Spain and is traditionally made with rice, saffron, vegetables, and your choice of protein (usually chicken, seafood or a combination of both). It is a popular dish for special occasions and gatherings, often served in a large pan to be shared among friends and family.

Ingredients for Pilchards paella

To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 can of Lucky Star Pilchards in Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup of long-grain rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients will ensure that your dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Preparing the base

• Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water is clear. This helps eliminate excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky when cooked.
• Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Then, incorporate the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Adding the flavors

• Once the veggies are ready, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle curry powder and paprika over the mixture, stirring to ensure the spices are well mixed. This spice blend gives the dish its unique warmth and rich flavor.
• Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the spiced vegetable mixture, enhancing the rice’s flavor and infusing each bite with aromatic spices.

Incorporating the pilchards

• Open a can of Lucky Star Pilchards in Tomato Sauce and gently break the fish into smaller pieces. Pour both the pilchards and the tomato sauce into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the rice and vegetables.
• The tomato sauce contributes a rich, savory flavor to the dish, while the pilchards add a delightful umami kick. Make sure everything is well combined so the pilchards are evenly spread throughout the rice.

Cooking the rice

• Add water or vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to mix all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid.
• Let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Check occasionally, stirring gently to prevent sticking to the skillet’s bottom.

Finishing touches

• Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a few minutes with the lid on. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and ensures the rice is perfectly cooked.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added freshness.

Serving suggestions

• Pilchards Savory Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple yogurt sauce.
• For a more substantial meal, consider serving the rice alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Dive into delight: Lucky Star pilchard canned fish recipe

In conclusion, pilchards and rice recipe makes for a delightful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, simple preparation, and numerous health benefits, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Get expert expat advice from FinGlobal

While we know how to share a brilliant recipe at FinGlobal, we’re about a lot more than that. We believe it’s important to enjoy a taste of home while abroad, but we also believe that it’s important to have a smooth financial transition. And that’s why we focus our professional attention on helping South Africans with their tax and financial emigration when they choose to leave the country.

We can provide advice and guidance on financial emigration, retirement annuity withdrawal, FOREX, tax refunds, tax clearance, exchange control, and much more. We have a decade of experience in the industry and pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest regulations and rules in the business.

If you’d like to chat with a knowledgeable consultant, take the time to get in touch with us. You can give us a call at +27 28 313 5600 or email us at info@finglobal.com at your convenience, and one of our friendly consultants will assist you further.