The perfect paella: Traditional recipe for Spanish risotto

It is a rice dish cooked and served in one pan. It is traditionally prepared with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken and seafood. There are several types of paella, the most popular being chicken paella, seafood paella and mixed paella (a combination of seafood, meat and vegetables). Paella is now recognised as the national dish of Spain and is popular all over the world.

Main ingredients

The classic ingredients used in the preparation of paella are:

• Rice: Traditionally, Spanish short-grain rice is used, which absorbs more liquid without becoming mushy.
• Saffron: The key spice that gives paella its distinctive colour and flavour.
• Chicken: Chicken thighs are mainly used because they remain juicy during cooking.
• Vegetables: Onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes and peas.
• Seafood: Shrimps, mussels and squid are common choices.
• Spices: Bay leaves, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Olive oil: Spanish olive oil is used for an authentic taste.
• White wine: Adds depth of flavour.
• Chicken broth: To cook the rice and add flavour.

Rice for paella

Spanish short-grain rice is used for paella, which absorbs more liquid and remains firm. The rice is not washed before cooking as this is to preserve the outer layer of starch which helps to create the crispy crust at the bottom of the pan, called socarrat. Stirring the rice during cooking is avoided to prevent the rice from becoming mushy and to achieve the authentic texture of the paella.

Additives

The paella can be adapted according to your preferences and the ingredients at your disposal. Different types of meat can be added, such as pork, turkey or rabbit. We can also use different types of seafood such as mussels, scallops and fish. Vegetarian paella can be made by omitting the meat and seafood and adding more vegetables such as artichokes, green beans, mushrooms, olives and asparagus.

Traditional Spanish paella

Ingredients

• 10 tbsp BAM extra virgin olive oil spray
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pepper, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 roma tomatoes, very finely chopped (or 8 oz. tomato sauce)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp BAM sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp BAM octopus and prawn mix
• Pinch of saffron
• Salt and pepper
• 60 ml white wine
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 400 g Spanish rice
• 1200 ml chicken broth
• 50 g frozen peas
• 225 g large cleaned prawns or shrimps
• 225 g cleaned mussels
• 225 g squid coils
• BAM parsley
• Fresh lemons

How to prepare the paella

1. Sautéing: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion, peppers and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Then add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, BAM paprika, saffron BAM octopus and crab seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.

2. Add the wine: Add the white wine and cook for another 10 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.

3. Add the chicken and rice: Add the chopped chicken pieces, chopped parsley and rice. Cook for 1 minute to infuse the rice with the flavours.

4. Add the broth: Slowly pour the chicken broth around the pan and shake the pan gently to distribute the rice evenly. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Gently shake the pan once or twice during cooking.

5. Uncovered cooking: cook the paella uncovered for 15-18 minutes, then stir in the prawns, mussels and squid. Add the peas on top and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is almost tender on top.

6. Rest: Remove the pan from the heat and cover with a lid or aluminium foil. Place a kitchen towel on top of the lid and leave to rest for 10 minutes.

7. Serving: Garnish with lemon slices and BAM parsley.

Paella is more than just a dish, it is a symbol of Spain's culinary heritage, combining different flavours and ingredients in perfect harmony. Whether you're making a traditional chicken paella, a rich seafood version or experimenting with a vegetarian option, you'll feel the spirit of Spain in every bite. Follow BAM's recipe and soon you too will be able to create an authentic paella in your own kitchen that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the preparation and the meal, because paella is a dish that really brings people together around the table.