Paella is a traditional rice dish that originated in the Valencian Community of Spain and is considered one of the community's identifying symbols
. It is one of the best-known dishes in Spanish cuisine and is popular worldwide
. The name "paella" comes from the Valencian word for frying pan, which is also the traditional shallow pan used for cooking the dish
. The dish is typically made with short-grain rice, saffron for color and aroma, a variety of vegetables, and some type of meat or seafood
. There are different types of paella, such as:
- Paella Valenciana : This is the standardized version, which includes ingredients like round-grain rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofó (a variety of lima or butter bean), and saffron
- Paella de Marisco : This version includes seafood ingredients like clams, mussels, and shrimp
- Paella Mixta : This version combines seafood, meats, and vegetables
The dish is cooked in a large flat pan called a "paellera" or "paella" and is typically served as a main course
. The ingredients are added in layers and cooked slowly, with the rice at the bottom, known as the socarrat, which is a key component of authentic paella
. The dish can be customized according to personal preferences or available ingredients
