One of the most loved dishes from a world point of view is a dish called paella. With roots in Valencia Spain, this ethnic dish is a dish like no other. It is incredibly versatile and is known for its eclectic mix of ingredients that give it a unique flavor and texture. Spain is best known for its different versions of paella dishes. This is because they are equally pleasing to different tastes and food preferences.
What is paella?
The term paella, derived from the Latin word “patella” and the English word “pail”, refers to an iron cooking utensil. Paella, therefore, refers to the utensil used to prepare the food, which is a wide flat iron pan that is shallow with handles on both sides.
The paella dish is known for its combination of rice, meat, seafood, and spices that, when combined, provide a hearty meal that is aesthetically appealing with a fusion of flavors.
Why does Spain have the best paellas?
The reason Spain is known for having the best paella is because this dish originated in Spain and has many stories dating back many centuries. The original dish was made with a combination of meats such as rabbit and chicken. Over time, people have created their own versions of this dish, making it a great fit for just about anyone. This is one of the reasons why it is such a popular dish.
Some paellas are made with seafood while others are made with vegetables for the more health conscious. Brown rice can also be substituted for white rice, if your main concern is fat and calories.
What are the essential ingredients of the best paellas?
The essential ingredients used to make the best authentic Spanish paella is short grain rice called “bomba”. This specific type of rice has the ability to absorb the broth in which it is cooked while maintaining its firmness.
Another essential ingredient for an authentic paella is saffron. This brand gives paella its wonderful vibrant golden color that it is known for. It also gives paella a very distinct flavor that will have an aromatic appeal as it cooks.
The homemade broth also adds to the authenticity of this dish and gives it more flavor. Frying the rice a few minutes before adding the homemade broth will also give it more flavor.
What are the most common paellas?
There are a variety of different paellas, but the ones that tend to be the most popular and well-known fall into three different categories.
Below are the three different types of paellas:
Traditional Valencian Paella- has a combination of chicken, rabbit, snails, beans and artichokes.
Seafood Paella, often referred to as mixed paella, contains seafood and chicken, and is considered the most popular paella dish, especially among tourists.
Vegetarian Paella- is a favorite among avid vegetarians. It contains a variety of different vegetables, such as artichokes, aubergines and peppers.
So the next time you travel to Spain try one of the many different versions of paellas. This is a dish that appeals to both vegetarians and meat lovers. You will surely find at least one version of paella that will satisfy your cravings for authentic Spanish cuisine.
