Home Alone: Paella al Vago

Boys, ever been left in the lurch by your young lady who's gone off on a 5 day shopping trip and left nothing in to eat? Well, I found myself in the very situation on Saturday when i needed a quick, nourishing, tasty, cheap and healthy meal before i went out rockin' in Raco Verd.

So here's what I did - Paella al Vago (Lazy Man's Paella)

First, sweat off any Mediterranean vegetables you find in the fridge. I used a red pepper, some spring onions and garlic.

Then add loads of squid, mussels, prawns, and crab legs which can be purchased for €6 per kilo in Suma. I used half a kilo.

Unlike me, you might have a choice at this stage. You can add short grain rice to make Paella, or macaroni type pasta to make a Fideua. Add boiling water and some saffron, salt and pepper and the beans you used for an amusing satire on i-pods, and leave it simmering.

Now the good bit. Pour yourself a Martini with ice and lemon and crack open a packet of paprika chipsticks. Keep yourself amused by eating them while you wait.

The Paella is now ready

Did you know that the Paella is so named after the dish in which it is prepared, known to the ancient Romans as a 'patella.' This is also the medical term for the knee cap which resembles a round, shallow dish