If you are a paella lover and a devotee of Spanish cuisine, then we are sure that you will be more than interested in this blog article. At Sazón The Folk Cook we know how much you like paella. Whether it’s Valencian or a variation, with seafood or vegetables, we know you are fond of it. And so we thought it would be nice to tell you a few interesting & fun facts about paella, this irresistible dish known all over the world. Are you up for it?
1. Paella has been around for more than two centuries
Paella has been cooked for more than two centuries. And its origins were much more humble and modest than today. The dish was actually cooked by the farmers of La Albufera, a natural park in Valencia dedicated mainly to agriculture. Today, paella has become a delicacy for rich and poor alike, a dish to eat with the family on Sundays and a delicacy in many restaurants in Valencia and the rest of Spain.
2. The authentic paella has chicken, rabbit and vegetables
If you ask a Valencian what the recipe for paella is, s/he will tell you that it is made with rabbit, chicken and vegetables (usually green beans, artichokes and a kind of white bean called garrofón). Of course, with some other ingredients besides rice, such as saffron, ñora (a red pepper typical of the region), olive oil, salt…). If we have left any out, we beg your pardon 😉 You have a perfect example at José Luis’ house, who will cook a delicious paella for you in the traditional way. As another curious and fun fact about paella, we will tell you that the original recipe 200 years ago had rata de Albufera, a kind of hare living in the natural park.
3. There’s no paella with chorizo
Continuing with our fun facts about paella, we have to underline and insist that paella never contains chorizo. No matter what Jamie Oliver says, the reality is that paella is not rice with stuff in it. And, above all, it must never contain chorizo. You may find it as it is in demand, but it’s almost sacrilege for Spaniards.
4. Paella or paellera
Paella is the dish but also the pan in which it is cooked. Actually, the name of the dish comes from the pan. However, there is a widespread use outside the Valencian community of the term paellera to refer to the pan. However, for Valencians, paellera is just the person who cooks the paella.
5. Spanish people take paella just for lunch
More fun facts about paella? Here you have another one: paella is only eaten at lunchtime. Or, at most, in the form of a tapa before lunch. The Spanish never eat paella for dinner, as it is a very hearty dish that usually contains a lot of ingredients, which is not recommended in the evening.
6. Saffron is a key ingredient
The “red gold” is very important in the preparation of paella. It gives it a very distinctive and special flavour. And this dish would not be the same without this much-loved condiment. In fact, it should be added just before adding the broth, and after roasting or infusing the saffron threads. It is a culinary ritual. If you are willing to try a flavorful paella, we advise you to try Liti’s recipe; you’ll adore it!
7. Stirring in the paella is forbidden
Yes, the next of our curious and fun facts about paella might sound weird, but we advise you to take it seriously if you intend to be a good “paellero”. Once you have added the broth, the rice must not be stirred. The reason is that Spanish people like rice that sticks and burns a little on the bottom of the paella pan. This has a specific word in Valencian which is “socarrat”. Delicious!
8. Not all rice is suitable for paella
The rice most commonly used is the variety called bomba. But senia or bahía are also good for the preparation of this dish. Long-grain and aromatic rice should never be used, as these varieties do not absorb the flavours that much.
9. Paella is always prepared for an even number of people
Yes, it is prepared in even numbers due to the capacity of the different paella pans. And because it is usual to put a thin layer of rice, that is to say, the rice should not reach the edge of the paella pan. Otherwise, the unique and characteristic socarrat flavour is lost, so that the rice on top is cooked well. However, no matter how many you are, Marianawill be thrilled to prepare an exquisite mixed paella for you!
10. From a whatsapp emoji to a possible UNESCO Intangible Heritage status
The last of our curious facts about paella is its immense cultural value. Paella started with an emoji on whatsapp. Then, in 2021, Valencia City Council declared it a BIC or Bien de Interés Cultural (Intangible Cultural Asset). A very important step towards making this delicious dish cooked all over the world into a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
ººº
