Paella, a representative dish of Spain that brings us together with family and friends, inviting us to share and enjoy food in good company. There's nothing like eating a good paella with your loved ones at home, on a terrace by the sea, or in a typical restaurant... it has a unique charm and flavor.
This is a traditional dish originating from the Valencia region, but it has become an emblematic dish of Spanish cuisine. It consists of a mixture of rice, seafood, meats, and vegetables, all slowly cooked in a broth of seafood or chicken, with saffron and other spices that give it that unique flavor and color. But... What are the secrets to cooking the perfect paella? We're going to tell you about the varieties and the secrets of each one.
Paella Valenciana, the most traditional dish
The traditional Valencian paella is the best-known and is made with rabbit, chicken, "garrofó" (white bean), "ferraura" (flat green bean), tomato, olive oil, paprika, rice, and saffron. If you want to impress your guests and cook a more gourmet Valencian paella, you can add artichoke, duck, snails, and sprigs of rosemary. These extra ingredients give it an incredible flavor, but they are optional and added according to taste. The secret to preparing a perfect Valencian paella is to use a good chicken broth and cook it slowly in a flat cast iron paella pan. It is also important to let the paella rest for a few minutes before serving.
Seafood paella, the star dish of Mediterranean cuisine
Seafood paella is a variation of paella that includes different types of seafood such as prawns, mussels, squid, and cuttlefish, among others. To prepare a perfect seafood paella, it is important to use fresh and quality seafood. Additionally, it is important to add the seafood at just the right moment so that it does not overcook and remains juicy.
Mixed paella, an explosion of flavors
Mixed paella combines the ingredients of the traditional Valencian paella with seafood and fish. It is important to note that the ingredients are cooked separately and mixed at the end to obtain the perfect result. It is also important to gradually add the hot broth so that the rice does not overcook.
Vegetable paella, the vegetarian and healthier option
Vegetable paella is a healthy option that adapts to both meat eaters and vegetarians, which can be prepared with different types of vegetables such as artichokes, peppers, peas, zucchinis, and tomatoes. For it to be perfect, it is important to use quality rice and a good vegetable broth. It is also advisable to cook the vegetables separately and add them to the rice little by little.
In summary, to cook a good paella, use an appropriate paella pan, fresh and quality ingredients, make a good "sofrito" (sauce base), add the rice at the right moment, control the amount of liquid, cook over low heat, and let the paella rest before serving. With these tips, you can prepare a delicious and authentic paella.
At Fancy Restaurant, you can enjoy a good paella in the best company. We use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to cook a variety of paellas to perfection. With years of experience in Mediterranean cuisine, we continue to perfect our technique to create a truly delicious paella. If you want to enjoy authentic Mediterranean food in a unique setting, come dine at Fancy Restaurant.