The meat paella recipe

The recipe for Valencian paella

In our online butcher shop for the recipe:

• 300 g of chicken breast or chicken drumsticks
• 150 g of bacon or pork belly

Paella, one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of Spanish cuisine, is celebrated around the world with its own World Day. This delicious dish, with its explosive blend of flavors and characteristic golden crust, is a true celebration of Spanish gastronomy.

We will explore the fascinating history of paella, the importance of World Paella Day and, of course, together we prepare the authentic recipe to create the perfect meat paella right in your kitchen.

Paella: a journey into Spanish tradition

To fully understand paella, it is essential to immerse yourself in its history. This Spanish dish has ancient roots and comes from the Valencia region on the east coast of Spain. Its birth dates back to when the Arabs, through their influence in the region, introduced rice grown in this territory. Initially, paella was a rice-based stew, but over the centuries it has undergone various evolutions and variations.

What type of rice is used to make paella?

Traditional paella is made with Bomba rice, a type of Spanish rice, and includes a combination of local ingredients, including meat, vegetables and spices. However, basmati rice is used in all cuisines.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this dish is that it can be adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences, resulting in numerous regional variations. However, the best known paella is the one with chicken and rabbit meat.

Celebrate World Paella Day

World Paella Day is a gastronomic celebration that celebrates this iconic dish and its role in Spanish and international culture. Every year, on September 20, chefs and food enthusiasts gather to honor paella in all its forms.

This special day offers the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family around a huge pan of steaming paella and share moments of joy and conviviality.

Variations of paella

How many types of paella are there? There are numerous types of paella, each with its own regional variations and customizations.

The main variations of paella include:

Paella Valenciana : the traditional paella originating from the Valencian Community, Spain. It is prepared with chicken, rabbit, green beans, tomatoes, rice, olive oil, satiety (a mix of spices, including saffron) and sometimes artichokes.

Paella de Mariscos - seafood paella : this variant is prepared mainly with seafood such as prawns, calamari, mussels and clams. It can also include some vegetables like peppers and peas.

Paella Mista : This is a mixed paella that combines meat and seafood. It usually includes chicken, rabbit, shrimp, calamari and mussels.

Paella de Verduras – vegetable paella : a vegetarian version of paella and contains a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, green beans, artichokes and peas.

Paella Negra : this paella is characterized by its black color due to the use of cuttlefish or squid and cuttlefish ink. It has a distinctly marine flavour.

Paella de Montaña - mountain paella : this is a mountain variant that may include game meats such as wild boar, hare or sausage.

The original recipe for meat paella

Here's how you can make an authentic meat paella.

Paella ingredients:

• 300 g chicken breast, cut into pieces or chicken drumsticks
• 200g rabbit, cut into pieces
• 150g bacon or pork belly, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 red pepper, cut into strips
• 200g green beans, cut into pieces
• 300 g of Basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads or powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1.5 liters of chicken broth
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon for garnish

Method

Start by heating a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large, shallow pan or pan. Add the chicken and rabbit and sauté until golden on all sides. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.

In the same pan, add the bacon and brown until crispy. Also transfer it to a separate plate.

In the fat released by the bacon, fry the onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the mixture begins to thicken.

Return the chicken and rabbit to the pan along with the red pepper and green beans. Mix the ingredients well.

Add the Bomba rice to the pan and stir well to ensure each grain is coated in the oil and other ingredients. Add the saffron and paprika and mix until the spices are well distributed.

Pour the hot chicken broth into the pan and spread it evenly. Make sure the liquid level is just above the level of the ingredients in the pan.

Cook the paella over medium heat, without stirring, for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. During cooking, you can decorate the surface with lemon slices.

When the paella is ready, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serve your hot meat paella directly from the pan, offering each diner a portion of rice and meat. Make sure you have extra lemon slices for those who want a touch of freshness.

W paella!

World Paella Day is an extraordinary opportunity to embrace Spanish culture through food. Meat paella, with its richness of flavors and fascinating history, is one of the most popular variations of this iconic dish. Making it at home is a wonderful way to experience authentic Spanish cuisine and delight your loved ones with an unforgettable meal.

So, next time you're looking for an idea for a special dinner or simply want to experiment in the kitchen, consider preparing a delicious meat paella and celebrate World Paella Day in the best way possible: with good food and good company. Good try!