This is definitely the queen of all tables in Spain. Paella is a typical dish prepared with dry rice which drives both locals and tourists crazy. Although it was created in Valencia, you can find this delicious dish anywhere nowadays and has evolved into a host of different varieties. If you come here, take note and don’t forget to try this culinary treasure. Below are just a few examples of paella, showing the many different ways you can prepare this unique dish:
Valencian paella
Paella Valenciana
Valencian Paella
This is the typical Spanish paella. This recipe is prepared with a tomato, pepper, onion, and garlic sofrito. Water must be measured well for this dry rice dish to be sure that the rice doesn’t become overdone. Specifically, if you want to prepare paella, use two glasses of water for each cup of rice. Try it with a good red wine, the perfect combination of Spanish flavor.
Meat paella
Paella de carne
Meat Paella
This is the typical Sunday paella in Spain. People often make this recipe with chicken for their family. It is very important to add a good amount of black pepper and paprika so that the meat absorbs the flavor, as well as, red peppers and peas. It is always a good idea to have this with some Spanish olives.
Seafood paella
Paella de mariscos
Seafood Paella
This is one of the recipes that best defines Mediterranean cuisine. It is usually prepared with squid, prawns, mussels, and clams. It is one of the most popular dishes in coastal areas and, in the summer, it is very commonly eaten at beach bars.
Mixed paella
Paella mixta
Mixed Paella
Mixed paella combines surf and turf: meat and seafood. It is also one of the most popular dishes and is usually cooked in every house. It is made using the meat sofrito and then adding squid and prawns. It has a very strong taste as the tender meat takes on the flavor of the seafood.
Black paella
Paella negra
Black Paella
This variety is typical in Galicia. It looks totally different from the rest, because octopus or squid ink is added. The ingredients are the same as the seafood paella, but this additional affects not only appearance but also the taste. This has made this recipe one of the most sought after thanks to its originality. If you like strong tastes, this is the paella for you; give it a try!
White paella
Paella blanca
White Paella
White paella is a very simple dish to make which, nevertheless, it achieves excellent results. The ingredients that accompany the rice this time are ham and salami. These are mixed without adding coloring, giving the dish a white appearance. A very typical variety in eastern Andalusia, it is usually served on many occasions as “tapas”, accompanying a beer or a summer red.
Vegetarian paella
Paella vegetariana
Vegetarian Paella
This paella is very simple to make, just don’t add any meat. The basic ingredients are: artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms, and olives. It’s a different combination which doesn’t detract from the original dish and you can try if you fancy a light lunch.
Paella w/ shrimp & chorizo
Paella con gambas y chorizo
Paella Made to Order
Paella is really a different way of cooking rice and can be cooked in a thousand different ways. Although some recipes are widespread, you can make paella to your own tastes. The rice absorbs the flavor of any ingredient you add, and you can mix as you please.