Spanish Food - The Perfect Paella

Looking for a traditional Spanish recipe? Without doubt, the best-known is going to be the prodigious paella ... that tasty, adaptable, gregarious dish famed throughout Spain and the World.

And, what an impressive choice of recipes exist for a pleasurable paella: seafood, chicken, rabbit ... or a mixture of all three! Perhaps you are non-meat eating ... well, just opt for one of the several vegetarian paella recipes. Bit of a health fanatic? Then substitute white rice for whole-grain rice or wild rice.

Got a large family and not much money to feed them on? Use plenty of rice and imagination along with a tasty stock, plus whatever you can find in the cupboard! I have certainly enjoyed many paellas where there have been more bones/shells than meat/ seafood! And, very tasty they have been too, the richness of the company more than compensating for any paucity in the ingrediants.

So ... how do you go about making the perfect paella? First of all, you need to choose your rice. The short-grained rice from Valencia - where most Spanish rice originates - is fine for making paellas. However, the "bomba" rice grown in the neighboring region of Murcia, is the "king" of paella rice: again, short-grained, it has the ability to absorb the stock whilst remaining firm.

Another "must" is to use saffron ("azafrán") to create the gentle, yellow color for which this delectable dish is renowned. Yes, it is possible to buy cheaper, artificial colorings but ... go for the traditional - it will bestow a wonderful aroma and unique flavor.

Many Spaniards swear a perfect paella can only be achieved when using a tasty, home-made stock. Whatever you decide, allow at least double the amount of liquid to rice. If, during cooking, the dish becomes a little dry, just add a dash more water or stock.

Another tip I have been told, on more than one occasion, is to gently fry the rice for a few minutes before adding the stock, ensuring that it is well-coated in oil. I think all Spaniards would agree that, once cooked, it is best to leave your paella to stand for a good five minutes before serving.

Perhaps the most important ingrediant for making that perfect paella, is to use lashings and lashings of love whilst preparing it - for surely, that is something we can all afford - and to enjoy to the full the marvellous company of those who will share it with you.

I shall now have to choose a paella recipe to offer you as an example! I think I will opt for a seafood paella, typical of the region of Valencia, where I live. The ingrediants are for a hearty four servings. If you are not a hefty eater, or on a diet, then reduce the amount of rice/stock slightly.

Paella Valenciana - Paella From Valencia

Ingrediants:

- 4 cups rice.
- 8 cups fish stock.
- 8 king-sized prawns/langoustines.
- 8 mussels.
- 200 gr shrimps.
- 200 gr peas (fresh or frozen).
- 2 tomatoes, skinned and chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced.
- 3 strands saffron, crumbled.
- Olive oil for frying.

Method:

1. Sauté garlic in a paella-type pan.

2. Add tomatoes, peas, shrimps and saffron.

3. Cook for a few minutes.

4. Add rice and stock.

5. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

6. Decorate with prawns and mussels.

7. Cover paella with a lid.

8. Poach the seafood for a few minutes.

9. Decorate paella with lemon quarters.

10. Enjoy!

Linda Plummer is English, and has lived on the Costa Blanca in Spain for 20 years. She is webmistress of the information- rich site: http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com with its FREE monthly newsletter, "The Magic of Spain".

---

Campfire Cooking (Some Yummy Recipes)

It's almost picnic and camping time across most of North... Read More

So, You Have A Crockpot - Now Youll Want Crockpot Recipes

To those of us that don't know, crockpot recipes are... Read More

Rowan Jelly (Mountain Ash - Pyrus aucuparia)

Sharp and sour but sweet and succulent all at the... Read More

Sicilys Great Eggplant - Tomato Stew

I ran into a friend yesterday, who tells me that... Read More

Juniors Cheesecake

Juniors cheesecake restaurant was founded in 1950 by Harry Rosen,... Read More

Planning Help: Meal One

It's nice when I find a meal where the foods... Read More

Low Fat, Low Carb Baked Tortilla Chip with a Mango Salsa Dressing

Many low fat low cholesterol recipes are usually bland and... Read More

Chili Recipe - A Red Chili Nightmare!

This chili recipe is, indeed, a really nightmare! Taste it... Read More

Teas from Wild Plants and Their Benefits

All these teas (unless specified) are brewed with one teaspoon... Read More

Fancy Up Your Muffins

We introduced muffins to you last week and many of... Read More

Holiday Leftover Ideas

The holidays are a time for friends and family and... Read More

Easy Insalata Caprese

It's tomato time! If you're a gardener, you might be... Read More

Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate

Serendipity frozen hot chocolate is a signature dish at the... Read More

Frugal Outdoor Cooking

Firing up the grill is a great way to cook... Read More

Four Easy Zucchini Bread Recipes

Tired of the same old zucchini bread recipe and want... Read More

Recipe: Chocolate Modeling Clay

Ingredients:6 oz. chocolate chips5 teaspoons corn syrup1 gallon size zip-top... Read More

Swiss Cheese Fondue

Ingredients600g white bread (I recommend baguette or any other kind... Read More

Low Carb Recipes Actually Taste Great!

Many people are beginning diets that encourage low carb recipes... Read More

Tayberry Jam

The taste of Summer, bursting with flavour and anti-oxidant effects.... Read More

A Scone Recipe for Dinner or Lunch

There are two ways to pronounce scone. "Skon" in England... Read More

Nutritious Chocolate Recipes

Are you eating enough fruit lately? How about chocolate? Well,... Read More

Cooking Instructions For Prime Rib Roast

Have you been searching for cooking instructions for prime rib... Read More

Easy Holiday Quick Bread Recipes

Quick breads are a quick, easy accompaniment to any holiday... Read More

Stuffed Shrimp Recipes

Stuffed shrimp recipes will help you celebrate any special occasion... Read More

In Grandmas Kitchen (Part I)

One of my fondest childhood memories is being in the... Read More

Gyokuro Cheesecake Recipe

This Gyokuro cheesecake makes an elegant dessert. Perfect for any... Read More

Frugal and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Here it is - that time of year when everyone's... Read More

Easy Trail Mixes

Before you set off on your next family walk or... Read More

Weight Loss Recipe: Crustless Quiche

Crust-less QuicheQuick and easy, this meal is great either hot... Read More

Tantalizing Turkey

You too can make a spectacular turkey dinner!TT has what... Read More

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Bottom Layer:1/2 cup butter or margarine1 cup sugar2 cups flour1/2... Read More

Converting Recipes for Your Crockpot

Crockpots vary but the low setting is typically around 100... Read More

Texas Pecan Treats

Come August, there is nowhere I'd rather NOT be than... Read More