A Taste of Spain - World Paella Day
Valencia is not just a stunning, beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, it is also the undisputed home of paella.
If you ever visit this must-see city, be sure to take in the La Pepica Paella Restaurant, adjacent to the Malvarrosa beach, one of the oldest in the city and often referred to as “the home of paella”.
Originally a peasant dish, paella was made with rice and whatever was to hand, usually vegetables, rabbit and snails.
From these humble beginnings, paella has grown to be the signature dish in Spanish cuisine with as many recipes as there are chefs.
If you want to try cooking a paella for the first time without investing in a special pan, any wide, shallow pan will be up to the job.
Having said that, a paella pan is a great investment and can be used where any type of cooking requires a wide flat surface. You can sear steaks or chicken, prepare a traditional cooked English breakfast or make pancakes.
Paella is the ultimate social dish and your guests will be impressed when presented with your culinary efforts in a traditional paella pan in the centre of the table.
If using a cooker or hob, a smaller paella pan (4-6 people) is ideal on a large or wok burner, larger pans can be spread over two or three burners or you can even utilise your BBQ for cooking your paella.
You can even buy purpose designed, propane paella burners of various sizes for those who really want to embrace the paella lifestyle.
The 20th September 2020 marks “World Paella Day” and we have put together a small selection of our favourite recipes for you to try.
From the traditional meat paella, a seafood version, meat & seafood combined (mountain & sea) and a vegetarian version, there is something to tempt every taste.
There is no right or wrong paella recipe, just what suits you so feel free to substitute ingredients as you wish. Just make sure you use a paella rice, e.g. bomba, senia or calasparra, known for their ability to absorb water.
UK supermarkets tend to sell one of these types as “paella rice”.
These recipes call for saffron to add flavour and colour the dish but there are ready made paella spice mixes available that will do the job just as well.
Click on the recipe links below and see how easy it is to unleash the Spanish chef in you.
Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Seafood Paella
Mixed Paella - Chicken and Prawn
Vegatarian Paella
If you are travelling to Spain in the near future use the discount code PAELLA when making your parking booking and you'll receive a 10% discount.