Spanish cuisine- Paella

One of the most popular dish in Comunidad Valenciana is paella. For many foreigners it is traditional Spanish rice dish. But for Spaniards is a typical Valencian meal which is recognized in all country.

There are many kinds of paella but the most popular it is: Paella Valenciana (white rice, green vegetables, meat (rabbit, chicken) and beans, Paella de Marisco (seafood, green vegetables) and Paella Mixta (freestyle combinated). Significant ingredient it is saffron which give yellow colour of dish.


  Yummy:):)

Probably word paella come from old French paelle which means " frying pan". It is important paella has two handles. Nowaday Valencians call paella for all type of frying pan.
In ancient times paella was eating by workers during the break at work. Now you can buy it in a restaurant.
Also in Moorish Spain paella was served. From that time rice became popular in Spain. In present times many restaurants all over the world serve similar dish e.g. risotto, arroz con pollo, pilaf.

  This is a recipe for Mixed Paella

• Make a broth from seafood, chicken, onions, garlic, bell peppers and bay leaf.
• Heat oil in a paellera.
• Sear red bell pepper strips and set aside.
• Sear crustaceans and set aside.
• Season meat lightly with salt and sauté meat until golden brown.
• Add onions, garlic and bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
• Add grated tomatoes and sauté.
• Add dry seasonings except for salt.
• Add rice.
• Braise rice until covered with sofrito.
• Add broth.
• Add salt to taste.
• Add saffron (and/or food coloring) and mix well.
• Simmer until rice is almost cooked.
• Replace crustaceans.
• Continue simmering until rice and crustaceans are finished cooking.
• Garnish with seared red bell pepper strips.