World Paella Day – 20 September
Since 2018, World Paella Day takes place every September 20 with the aim of sharing Valencia’s most famous dish internationally and to place Valencia as the gastronomic destination it deserves to be.
Valencians love their traditional dish so whenever they have the chance, they’ll tell you that the whole world gets paella wrong: the wrong ingredients, even the wrong pronunciation! However the spirit of their cooking has always been flexible to whatever meat, fish, seafood or game can be found.
Rice is the main ingredient in most Valencian dishes: Arroz a banda (rice on the side), Arroz al Horno (oven-baked rice) and of course, paella.
It should be cooked to perfection; not too soft, not too hard. Saffron is a common seasoning.
We’ve included a traditional Valencian paella recipe as well as some other variations. If you don’t have a traditional paella pan, a large shallow frying pan will do.
Valencian Paella
Prep time: 1 hr
Serves 5
Authentic paella originates from Valencia and contains different combinations of meat, such as rabbit, sausage, chicken and snails. If you don’t have a traditional paella pan, a large shallow frying pan will do.
Source: BBC Good Food, find the recipe here
Spanish Paella
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 40 mins
Serves 6
You can make this delicious, paella in your own kitchen with simple ingredients like rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood. If you love cooking International food, you will fall in love with this comforting dish!
Source: Tastes Better From Scratch, find the recipe here
Chicken & Chorizo Paella
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Serves 4
The Spanish can be quite protective about what is and what isn’t a paella, but at the same time, the spirit of their cooking has always been flexible to whatever meat, fish, seafood or game can be found.
Source: Jamie Oliver, find the recipe here
An Amazing Vegetarian Paella
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 40 mins
Serves 5
Many paellas feature various meats and seafood, but vegetarian paella can be a revelation. This version is fully loaded with a rainbow of seasonal vegetables cooked into a saffron and paprika-scented rice-based dream.
Source: 101 Cookbooks, find the recipe here