The Paella Valenciana

The Paella Valenciana

Welcome, lovers of good food and culinary fun! Today we are going to delve into the world of cooking and learn together with our students how to prepare a delicious Valencian paella. So get ready for a journey full of flavours and joy, let's get cooking!

Paella is one of the most emblematic dishes of Spanish gastronomy and the Valencian version is simply spectacular. It is colourful, full of fresh ingredients and delicious aromas that transport us to the sunny beaches of Valencia. At our Spanish language school, Costa de Valencia, we combine many weekend excursions with this typical Valencian dish. We also offer paella courses for school groups, as part of their extra-curricular activities programme.

The first thing we need is to gather our cooking equipment: a paella (the frying pan), a wooden spoon, an apron (optional, but always fun), and of course, our students and friends! Cooking in company is always more fun.

►Link to our last Paella course

Now, let's get down to work with the ingredients. We will need:

 - 300 grams of rice (round rice).

 - 300 grams of chicken in pieces

 - 200 grams of rabbit (optional)

  - 200 grams of green beans

  - 200 grams of garrofón (a variety of large, flat bean)

  - 1 ripe tomato

  - 2 green peppers

  - olive oil

  - Saffron (or food colouring)

  - Salt to taste

  - Lemon (for garnish and a touch of freshness)

Now that we have all the ingredients, it's time to turn on the music and start cooking. Paella is a dish that requires patience and love, so make sure you have time to enjoy the process.

In our paella pan, we are going to heat a good splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and rabbit, and sauté until golden brown and juicy - the aroma is already irresistible!

Then add the peppers cut into strips and the green beans. We stir happily, mixing the flavours and letting the colours unfold in our paella pan. It's like a work of art in the making.

When the vegetables are tender, it's time to add the grated tomato. This will give a juicy and acidic touch to our paella. Mix well and let it cook for a few minutes.

Now comes the magic moment to add the rice. Spread the rice evenly throughout the paella pan, making sure that each grain has its place in this feast of flavours. Pour the water over the rice. The right amount is just enough to cover the rice, but not too much. We don't want a soup, we want a paella in all its splendour. Add the saffron or colouring to give it that characteristic yellow tone that makes the paella unmistakable. Bring the stock to the boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Now comes the hardest part: the waiting. Paella requires patience and love. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and has absorbed all the stock.

While we wait, let's make some refreshing drinks and enjoy the time with our friends - this is what cooking and life is all about: sharing unforgettable moments!

When the rice is ready, we increase the heat for a while to form that delicious golden crust on the bottom of the paella. This crust is called "socarrat" and is one of the treasures of Valencian paella - it's like a crunchy surprise that will make you smile!

Now it's time to serve. We garnish our paella with lemon slices, which will give it a fresh and citrusy touch. Che! We have before us a Valencian paella full of flavour, vibrant colours and an aroma that makes us sigh.

Now, gather everyone around the table and enjoy this feast of flavours together. Serve the paella with a smile on your face and let the compliments and "mmmm's"  fill the air.

Valencian paella is much more than a rice dish, it is a tradition that unites us, a way of celebrating life and the joy of being together, so let's cook with joy and enjoy every bite of this delicious Valencian paella! Cheers and bon appetit!