Paella

Giant paella for festival

Paella is a cornerstone of traditional Spanish cuisine. Though it originated in Valencia, it is served all over the nation, traditionally on Sundays and holidays. The dish is made with rice, meats and seafood, and vegetables cooked together in a large shallow pan with sloping sides, called a paella (hence the name), or paellera. Prepare to put some serious prep time into it, as there are a lot of ingredients in a good paella.

Almost anything can be used in a paella, and it is very easy to make vegan or vegetarian friendly paella which is equally delicious. Common meats include seafood such as lobster, mussels, clams, and shrimp, along with sausages, chicken, ham, and pork. Vegetables such as artichoke hearts, potatoes, peas, tomatoes, onion, and garlic are also used. A traditional paella is also scented with saffron, lending a delicate flavor, scent, and rich yellow color to the paella.