The history of Paella dates back to the 14th and 15th century when farmers in Valencia needed to create a quick and easy meal to feed their families. As rice was a key ingredient found in the Valencian countryside, they created a one-pan meal made from rice, now known as “Paella”. Quickly, the farmers started to add other ingredients into the dish to give it more substance. Most commonly vegetables, beans, rabbit and duck were added and the paella was cooked over an open flame using wood from orange trees to give it a delicious flavour. As the dish travelled to different regions of Spain, more local ingredients were added and by the end of the 18th century Paella was a dish widely known all around Europe. World Paella Day is celebrated on the 20th of September every year to coincide with the rice harvest, this Paella Day we have outlined below how to make the perfect dish for you and your family to enjoy.
Paella is known for it’s rich flavours and colours and a great balance of seafood, meats and spices. Here’s what you need to make the perfect paella:
Arborio Rice
Chicken/vegetable/Seafood stock
Saffron
Protein of your choice: Chicken/Rabbit/Chorizo/Prawn
Vegetables of your choice: Tomatoes/Peppers/Peas/Onion
Garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper
Olive Oil
Instructions:
Prep your ingredients: Chop your vegetables, clean the seafood and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a wide pan, and add your protein and cook until their browned, remove and set aside. This will add a deeper flavour to the dish.
Add diced onions, garlic and bell peppers and cook until soft and fragrant. Add in chopped tomatoes and cook down to create a rich base.
Stir in the rice to your base and cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavours and lightly toast. Add saffron to infuse the flavour.
Pour in your stock of choice (about 2 cups of stock for every cup of rice) and season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir once to distribute everything but avoid stirring again to achieve the signature paella texture.
Add the cooked proteins back into the rice, followed by your seafood. Prawns should be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent them being overdone.
Reduce the heat and let the paella cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring to allow the bottom to crisp, once done, cover the pan with a cloth and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Garnish and serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Serve your paella straight from the pan and enjoy with your friends and family.
For the perfect paella there are a few tips and tricks that are key to getting that authentic flavour.
1. Use a wide, shallow pan: This helps the rice cook evenly and allows for the crispy bottom layer to develop.
2. Resist Stirring: Paella shouldn’t be stirred once the liquid is added, let it cook without stirring to achieve the best texture.
3. Quality Ingredients: Choose the best quality spices, stock and fresh seafood for authentic, vibrant flavours.
This world Paella Day, why not bring a taste of Spain to your table with a flavourful dish that’s perfect for sharing? With these simple steps you’ll create an authentic, delicious paella that is guaranteed to impress your loved ones. Enjoy the rich flavours of Spain with an unforgettable meal!