Valencian tradition a healthy alternative to fried rice

Hongkongers love their fried rice, but the dish is loaded with oil and low on vegetables and nutrients. Paella, a Spanish favourite, is perhaps a healthier option.

In the Valencian dish, the rice is cooked by boiling it together with a mixture of saut?ed vegetables and seafood in a specialised shallow pan called a paella. Medium-grain rice is used as it absorbs more liquid and stays relatively firm. Saffron is added for colour and flavour.

This reduced-fat and -salt variation by The English-Speaking Dining Society of the Chinese Cuisine Training Institute, however, can be done in any frying pan, using long-grain rice and omitting the saffron. You could call it a local take on a Spanish tradition. To make it even healthier, use brown rice.

Carrot and seafood paella

Serves 4

300 grams long grain rice