Paella

Paella is a vibrant and flavorful Spanish dish that originated in Valencia. It's a rice-based dish renowned for its rich taste and colorful presentation. The main ingredients typically include rice, saffron, and a variety of proteins such as chicken, rabbit, seafood, or a combination.

The rice is cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paellera to prepare paella. Saffron, a key spice, gives the dish its distinctive yellow color and contributes to its unique taste. The choice of proteins can vary based on personal preference and regional influences.

The cooking process involves creating a flavorful broth using ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The rice is then added to the broth and cooked until it absorbs the delicious flavors, creating a slightly crispy layer at the bottom known as socarrat.

Paella is often enjoyed as a communal dish, bringing people together around the table to savor its delicious and comforting flavors. It symbolizes Spanish culinary tradition and is popular at gatherings, celebrations, and family events.

This iconic dish has many regional variations, each with its own twist on ingredients and flavors. Whether prepared with seafood along the coastal areas or rabbit and beans further inland, paella captures the essence of Spanish cuisine. It is a must-try for food enthusiasts exploring the diverse flavors of Spain.

Main ingredients: olive oil, arroz bomba (Spanish rice), meat, seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid), seasonal vegetables, spices

Recommended places: Casa Roberto and La Pepica in Valencia, Spain

Price range: from $8 to $15 per portion; at a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay around $15 to $30 per person for a serving