You know that recipe that looks like a party in one dish? The one that mixes colors, aromas and flavors in such a unique way that you want to dance flamenco just by smelling it? Well… we’re talking about it: the paella!
This Spanish dish is more than just a recipe — it's an invitation to socialize, and a wonderful excuse to get the gang together and open a chilled white wine.
So today, I'm going to show you how to prepare this delicious treat at home, with a step-by-step guide that's pure love.
Curiosities
Firstly, the paella was born there in the region of Valence, in Spain, and was originally made by peasants with what they had at hand: rice, vegetables, chicken, rabbit (yes!) and even snails!
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So, over time, the dish conquered the world and adapted — today there is seafood paella, mixed paella, vegetarian paella… a true festival of variations.
By the way, the name paella comes from container where it is prepared — a large, shallow frying pan with side handles. So no, “paella” is not the name of the dish itself, but of the pan!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6 hungry, happy people)
- 2 cups of arborio rice or paella rice (bomba type)
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 red pepper, cut into strips
- 1/2 yellow pepper, cut into strips
- 2 chopped skinless tomatoes (or 1/2 can of peeled tomatoes)
- 1 pinch saffron (or turmeric as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 liter of vegetable, chicken or seafood broth (warm)
Proteins (mixed version):
- 300g of diced chicken breast
- 200g of squid rings
- 200g of cleaned shrimp
- 150g mussels or shellfish (optional)
Extras to decorate:
- Lemon cut into segments
- Chopped parsley
- Fresh (or frozen) peas
Tip
In fact, you can swap the chicken for sausage, use only seafood or make a vegetarian version with mushrooms and vegetables!
Step-by-Step Preparation Method: Paella
- Firstly, prepare everything before you start!
Chop, separate, organize the ingredients. Paella is a quick dish to assemble, so everything is ready = no rush. - Right away, sauté the aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a paella pan (or large frying pan) and brown the onion and garlic until they are fragrant. Then add the tomatoes and peppers and cook until a delicious sauce forms. - Protein time:
Add the chicken and brown well. If you use squid or shellfish, add them later, as they cook quickly. Add the shrimp almost at the end! - Seasoning the heart of the dish:
Add the paprika, saffron (or turmeric), salt and pepper. Stir well and feel the incredible aroma taking over the kitchen. - Here comes the rice!
Then add the raw rice and stir to coat in the flavors. Then, pour the hot broth, covering everything. Don't stir anymore! This is the sacred rule of paella: leave the rice still so that it forms that golden crust on the bottom, called socarrat — is the hidden treasure of the recipe! - Cooking calmly:
Leave it on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. When the rice is almost ready, add the shrimp on top and cover (or cover with aluminum foil). Another 5 minutes and it's done! - Finishing in style:
Finally, garnish with peas, parsley and lemon. Serve in the pan itself — a good paella is one that you eat right there, with a fork and a spoon in your hand.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette: brings freshness and balances the intense flavors of paella.
- Rustic bread with olive oil and garlic: perfect for scraping the bottom of the pan!
- Sangria or chilled white wine: to complete the Spanish atmosphere.
But, do you have leftover paella? Then make rice balls the next day, Spanish arancini style! It's a second round of love!
SEE ALSO:
- Brownie with Walnuts and Salted Caramel Sauce
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara: An Italian Hug!
- Ratatouille: the taste of France in a colorful dish full of love!
Extra Curiosities
- Firstly, in Valencia, there is even “Paella Day”, celebrated on September 20th!
- The vegetarian version is known as Vegetable Paella, with zucchini, artichoke, asparagus and everything good.
- In Spain, paella is a popular dish. family sunday, like our weekend barbecue!
Finishing – Paella
Furthermore, paella is not just a recipe — it’s a celebration! In other words, it’s a dish to be shared, to bring together smiles, stories and mouthfuls. So, go for it, without fear of making mistakes.
So, with simple ingredients and a good dose of love, you will bring a little piece of Spain straight to your stove.
Finally, take it from me guys: After this recipe, your kitchen will never be the same!