If you are in the mood for a delicious and traditional Spanish dish, Paella Valenciana is the perfect choice. As the star of Spanish cuisine, this rice-based dish is rich in flavor and history. Originating from the region of Valencia, it combines a variety of ingredients to create a delightful blend of tastes. Traditionally cooked over an open flame in a wide, shallow pan called a “paellera,” Paella Valenciana is the ultimate dish for gatherings and Sunday lunches. Its unique combination of chicken, rabbit, and an array of vegetables, alongside the essential saffron-infused rice, ensures a vibrant and satisfying meal for everyone.
Tips to Make the Paella Valenciana Recipe:
1. Use Authentic Ingredients: To achieve the genuine taste of Paella Valenciana, use medium-grain rice such as “Bomba” or “Calasparra,” and don’t forget the saffron—it’s what gives the dish its signature color and aroma.
2. Perfect the Sofrito: The base of a great paella is the sofrito. Slow-cook onions, tomatoes, and garlic to create a rich flavor foundation. Take your time with this step, as it sets the tone for the entire dish.
3. Mind the Liquid Ratio: Typically, use a ratio of about 1:2 rice to liquid. Keep an eye on the pan; if you need more, add hot stock to avoid interrupting the cooking process.
4. Resist Stirring: Unlike risotto, paella should not be stirred once the broth is added. Allow a socarrat (crust) to form at the bottom of the pan for an authentic touch.
How to Make Paella Valenciana Recipe?
Paella Valenciana Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Paella pan For cooking the paella
- 1 Wooden spoon For stirring
Ingredients
- 200 g Chicken Cut into pieces
- 200 g Rabbit Cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Paprika Sweet or smoked
- 100 g Green beans Trimmed
- 100 g Butter beans Cooked
- 1 cup Tomato Grated
- 300 g Bomba rice
- 600 ml Chicken stock Warm
- 0.5 tsp Saffron strands Infused in stock
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium heat. Add chicken and rabbit, cooking until golden brown.
- Stir in paprika, and then add green beans and butter beans. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add grated tomato and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the Bomba rice until well-coated with the mixture.
- Pour in the chicken stock along with infused saffron strands and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Adjust salt if needed, then let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
The Paella Valenciana recipe is a delicious and traditional dish that offers a taste of Spanish culture. This meal combines a variety of fresh ingredients like chicken, rabbit, and a mix of vegetables, all cooked together with flavorful saffron-infused rice. It’s a dish that not only fills the stomach but also pleases the senses with its rich aromas and vibrant colors.
The process of making Paella Valenciana is as rewarding as the final dish. It involves careful preparation and a little patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Sharing this dish with family and friends adds to the enjoyment, making it a perfect meal for gatherings.
Overall, Paella Valenciana is more than just food; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or hosting a larger event, this recipe is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich flavors and the sense of community that comes with every bite.
