By Guillermo Bermell
Hello, dear Paella Lover friend! How are you and your family and friends doing? I always ask because my family and friends are very important in my life; I believe they are just as important to you, especially in these difficult times we are going through.
Many people think a paella is a dish with bright yellow rice, red or green peppers, chorizo, carrots, and prawns. Things get worse when the paella is covered with tons of toppings, obscuring the soul of a paella—the rice, which is often overcooked and loses its significance. But let me tell you one thing: you haven’t had an authentic traditional Valencian paella yet! By the way, I discussed my beginnings with paellas in my previous blog. If you missed it, check it out here!
A Few Truths About Paella
The most famous Spanish dish originates from Valencia, which is why we (Valencians) feel so passionate about it. So much so that we have a paella emoji, and it is an integral part of the history, tradition, and culture of Valencia, Spain, and possibly the world. A petition has even been filed for it to be declared Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. It is time to show you a few truths about paella.
Valencia is undoubtedly the best place to try paella and learn more about it. You can visit the nicest restaurants to try authentic paellas or even cook them yourself. To impress your friends and enjoy paella like Valencians do, simply remember these tips:
- In Valencia, the true paella is made with chicken and rabbit meat and some vegetables. In the rest of the world, people think the traditional one is made with seafood or mixed (meat and seafood).
- In Valencia, the staunchest defenders of paella say that the only recipe that can be called “paella” is the original traditional one. Other dishes served in the same pan should be named “rice with…”, “rice of…”, or “… paella”. For example, “seafood paella”, “rice with pork shoulder and caramelized apple”, or “rice with vegetables”.
- There is no place for chorizo in the authentic traditional Valencian paella! (Though there was in the ancient one…)
- Paella is a lunchtime meal. Only tourists eat paella at night.
- Paella is the name of the flat pan where the rice is cooked as well as the dish itself.
- Although anyone can learn how to cook a paella, there is a certain male pride in doing so, much like barbecues.
- Patience is crucial when cooking or waiting to eat paella. If your paella in a restaurant arrives too quickly, it means it was pre-cooked and reheated. Cooking a proper paella takes time—you should allow at least 25 minutes from the time you order it. Many restaurants will ask you to pre-order your paella when you book to ensure it is ready for your meal.
- Paellas are best cooked outdoors, over a wood fire.
- The thinner the rice layer, the tastier it will be.
- The true color of paella should be a golden hue provided by saffron. If you see bright yellow rice, it means it has artificial coloring added.
- Paella is eaten directly from the pan with wooden spoons.
- Socarrat, the crunchy layer of caramelized rice at the bottom of the paella, is the icing on the cake. We Valencians even fight for it!
Above all, I personally consider paella to be a social event, a get-together for friends and family where everyone interacts and contributes to this magnificent experience. And guess who the main actor is…
“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.”
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
If you want to know more about paella, visit our webpage. We not only love cooking paellas; we love to show you how to cook paellas with passion. Furthermore, we are committed to guiding you hand in hand, from the history of one of the most searched worldwide recipes to the moment when your guests are “wowed”, passing by the ten ingredients of the original traditional Valencian paella, grocery shopping and selection, how to serve with easy instructions and videos, and more. All of this is provided in a friendly tone, with the best tips, common mistakes, and much other useful information.
How did you like this blog? If you have any questions or comments related to my story or paella cooking, feel free to post them in the comments section below.
Stay safe and…
HAPPY PAELLA!
