Paella is that classic Spanish dish that has captured the hearts and stomachs of food lovers from all corners of the globe. This visually appealing and palatable rice preparation, hailing originally from the eastern seaboard of Spain, more precisely from the region of Valencia, is cooked with rice, saffron, different types of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Be it festivals or family dinner, the reasons it’s loved at all occasions include its rich history and versatility. In this article, we will trace the roots of paella, talk about the essential ingredients that make it special, and finally, show you how to make a traditional paella recipe which can be found on Corrie Cooks.
History and Origins of Paella
Well, more than just being a certain dish, paella embodies the culture and tradition of Spain. The term “paella” is derived from the Old French word for “paelle,” or pan. In reality, it actually refers to a wide and rather shallow pan used for cooking. Paella emanated from the rural areas of Valencia, where it was cooked over an open fire by farmers using easily available simple ingredients like rabbit, chicken, snails, and fresh vegetables within their reach.
Traditionally, paella was a dish cooked and eaten in company outdoors—usually, family and friends. Over time, it evolved to have a number of regional variations, but the two most famous are Paella Valenciana, made with rabbit and chicken, and Seafood Paella, with an assortment of fresh seafood. These new creations notwithstanding, at the core of every paella lies the same spirit: an homage to local ingredients cooked with passion and enjoyed in good company.
Ingredients of Paella That Make Them Real
To make real paella, the right ingredients are essential. Below is a detailed breakdown of the main components:
1. Rice
Perhaps most important in paella are the rice and its texture. You want to use short-grain rice, preferably Bomba or Calasparra rice, in this recipe. That type of rice can absorb flavors of the broth while firm in texture. These come in specialty stores, but if you can’t find them, then Arborio rice will do just fine.
2. Saffron
Saffron is the signature spice of paella, conferring the dish with its characteristic golden color and unmistakable aroma. Saffron threads are hand-plucked from the crocus flower. Like all other time-consuming activities, it makes this spice one of the most expensive globally. But a little does much in spicing your paella.
3. Proteins
Traditional recipes of paella include a mix of proteins, such as chicken, rabbit, and seafood. Shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid are the seafood commonly added to seafood paella. You can personalize it according to preference, but you have to balance protein flavors with other ingredients.
4. Vegetables
It may contain a number of vegetables, like tomatoes, peppers, peas, and green beans. These dip into color, flavor, and texture into the rice. Some versions of paella add artichokes or asparagus, depending on what’s in season.
5. Broth
Broth is the base material in paella that gives flavor to the rice. You can make your own chicken broth, seafood, and vegetable broth; if this becomes a little time consuming, it’s alright to purchase it from a store.
How to Make Paella: A Recipe from Corrie Cooks
One such classic recipe of paella by Corrie Cooks is not very complicated and turns out delicious every single time it’s made. Here’s how you can prepare the iconic dish:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Bomba or Arborio rice
- 4 cups of chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads, soaked in warm water
- 1 pound of chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound of mussels, cleaned
- 1/2 pound of squid, cut into rings
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, grated
- 1/2 cup peas
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: First, warm up the broth in a saucepan by adding soaked saffron. Keep the broth warm at low heat.
- Cook Chicken: Using a large Paella pan or wide skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add additional oil if needed in the same pan, and sauté chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until tender. Add grated tomatoes and cook some minutes until the mix has thickened.
- Add the Rice: Add the rice and smoked paprika, coating the rice with the oil-vegetable mixture, then cook for a few minutes lightly to toast the rice.
- Add the Broth: Add the warm saffron-infused broth and mix. Let it come to a simmer, then lower the heat to low. Let the paella cook without stirring so that the rice absorbs the broth in its entirety.
- Add Proteins: After about 10 minutes, arrange the browned chicken, shrimp, mussels, and squid on top of the rice. Keep cooking until the seafood is cooked and the mussels have opened. Add peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Create the Socarrat: Now, increase the heat in the last couple of minutes to create that socarrat, which is formed at the bottom of your pan. This is what creates that crust. You are careful not to burn it, so just a golden, caramelized crust is what you’re aiming for.
- Serve: Remove the paella from the heat once cooked and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a lemon wedge on the side.
Why Corrie Cooks Is Your Go-To for Paella Recipes
Corrie Cooks is a trusted resource for home cooks looking to replicate classic dishes such as paella. Easy-to-follow recipes with step-by-step instructions provide the novice with great results. Whether you’re looking for traditional recipes or a modern twist on the classics, Corrie Cooks has got you covered.
Conclusion
Paella is food that brings people together in a celebration of flavors and traditions that is essentially Spanish. This, however, will require the right ingredients and patience to come up with something that is as good as what you might get in a local eatery. For more recipes and cooking inspiration, visit Corrie Cooks for many culinary ideas that await you. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or having a quiet dinner at home, paella will always be a great idea. Happy cooking!