What is Paella?

Paella is an iconic traditional dish originating in Spain, primarily the Valencia region. It is composed of a variety of ingredients, from vegetables and meats, to seafood. The signature ingredients of a classic paella dish are saffron, paprika, garlic, onion, tomatoes and rice.

The History of Paella

The origins of paella can be traced back to the mid-19th century when the rural countryside of Valencia was crowded with farms and labourers. It is said that due to their limited food supplies, the inhabitants of this region would often gather different available ingredients from their lands to create a communal dish. By combining ingredients such as tomatoes, snails, beans and short-grain varieties of rice, they eventually developed the paella recipe that we know today.

The Conventional Method of Cooking Paella

To make a paella dish, the main ingredients are first cooked in a large shallow pan called a paella. These include vegetables such as artichokes, bell peppers, onions and garlic, as well as meats such as chicken and sausage, and seafood like clams, mussels and shrimp. The rice is then added and cooked in the sofrito, a mix of sautéed garlic, tomatoes and saffron, with a cup of stock added per cup of rice. Once it has cooked, the paella is finished with either paprika or a pinch of saffron. Finally, the paella is garnished with parsley, lemon or sometimes an aioli sauce.

Paella is a truly unique and delicious dish, that is sure to be enjoyed by all. With its versatility and various ingredients, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular traditional dishes in many Spanish households.