Paella is one of the most recognizable dishes in Spanish cuisine—a colorful, deeply flavorful rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan. Originating in Valencia, paella has evolved into many variations, from seafood paella to vegan and vegetarian versions that suit every taste.
Key details for making authentic Spanish paella 🇪🇸
- It never includes chorizo.
- The sofrito is always made with high-quality olive oil.
- The rice must be short-grain, like bomba or arroz redondo — never basmati.
- Some paellas are prepared with a flavorful fish stock (fumet) or meat broth.
Fumet De Langostino Y Corvina Receta de Marieta
Hoy para el taller de cocina de Cookpad premium, hemos estado coj @Tevasapuntar Gema y yo he versionado así el fumet que ella nos invitaba a preparar.
Marieta
- In certain traditional recipes, especially from Valencia, a unique concentrated base called salmorreta is added for depth of flavor.
Salmorreta Receta de Lorena Valencianeta🌺
Sofrito para arroces, paella, fideuá ... Con estas cantidades me ha salido para dos veces , para seis personas. La otra mitad la he congelado para otra ocasión.
Lorena Valencianeta🌺
🔍 Types of Paella: Popular Variations You Should Try
Paella comes in many delicious variations, each highlighting different ingredients and regional flavors. Some of the most popular types include:
- Paella Valenciana: The classic recipe with chicken, rabbit, and green beans. Did you know? It’s considered the original paella and dates back to the 18th century in Valencia.
Valencian Paella!!!! Recipe by Obrador Cutanda
The most famous dish in our cuisine: paella. There’s so much to say about it! There are countless versions, depending on the region where it’s made. The authentic version is cooked with meat—chicken and rabbit. It can also be made with duck, artichokes, and even snails (specifically, a local variety…
Obrador Cutanda
- Seafood Paella: Loaded with fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid for a rich ocean taste. Fun fact: It’s popular along Spain’s coastal regions and often uses fish stock instead of chicken broth.
Seafood Paella Recipe by Noelia Cocinillas
If you want to make paella but don’t have much time or money, I recommend trying this recipe! It’s quick and budget-friendly! I made it with a frozen seafood paella mix you can find at any supermarket (since I obviously can’t afford fresh seafood 😂), and it turns out delicious.
Noelia Cocinillas
- Shrimp Paella: Focused on succulent prawns, perfect for seafood lovers. Did you know? Shrimp adds a slightly sweet flavor that balances the saffron and spices perfectly.
Octopus And Jumbo Shrimp Paella Recipe by Xavi
Great recipe for Octopus and Jumbo Shrimp Paella.
Xavi
- Shellfish Paella: Highlights crab, lobster, or other shellfish delicacies. Fun fact: Shellfish paellas are often festive dishes served during special occasions.
Mixed Paella With Meat, Shrimp, And Mushrooms Recipe by Raúl Alonso
This recipe is from a friend, but since I didn’t have cuttlefish, I added shrimp, and since I had mushrooms from another day, I used them too. I didn’t get to try her paella because she didn’t send me a container... what a friend I have, but mine turned out really good. Although I’m not sure if it c…
Raúl Alonso
- Chicken Paella: A hearty and flavorful option with tender chicken pieces. Tip: Marinating the chicken before cooking can add extra juiciness and flavor.
Chicken Paella Recipe by grego&monica
This chicken and rice, or chicken paella, is a traditional recipe and a staple among rice dishes. The secret lies in making a good sofrito and using homemade chicken broth. The rest comes together almost effortlessly.
grego&monica
- Vegetable Paella: A light and healthy alternative made primarily with fresh vegetables. Health tip: It’s naturally low in fat and packed with antioxidants from fresh produce.
- Vegan Paella: Packed with seasonal vegetables and vibrant spices, no meat or seafood. Insight: Vegan paellas are rising in popularity as plant-based diets grow worldwide.
Vegan Paella Style Rice With Vegetables (Air Fryer) Recipe by Sergi
For those who don’t like seafood but enjoy the idea of paella, made in the air fryer.
Sergi
- Vegetarian Paella: Similar to vegan but can include dairy or eggs, featuring fresh garden vegetables. Note: Some versions add Manchego cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Each variation offers a unique taste experience while staying true to the traditional Spanish cooking method of paella.
📝 What Are the Ingredients in Paella?
The essential ingredients for paella include:
- Short-grain rice (like bomba or Calasparra)
- Olive oil
- Saffron or smoked paprika
- Stock (vegetable, chicken, or seafood depending on the type)
- Protein (meat, fish, shellfish, or legumes for vegan options)
- Vegetables such as bell pepper, green beans, tomatoes, or artichokes
- Garlic and onion for flavor
Most Common Questions About Paella
- What is paella? A traditional Spanish rice dish cooked in a large pan with meat, seafood, or vegetables.
- What is traditionally in a paella? The original paella Valenciana uses chicken, rabbit, and green beans.What’s the difference between risotto and paella? Paella is cooked dry without stirring, while risotto is creamy and stirred constantly.
| Aspect | Paella | Risotto |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Spain (Valencia) | Italy (Lombardy and Piedmont) |
| Type of Rice | Short-grain rice (bomba, calasparra) | Short-grain rice (arborio, carnaroli) |
| Cooking Method | Cooked dry, without stirring after adding broth | Creamy cooking, stirring constantly |
| Texture | Loose grains with crispy crust (socarrat) | Creamy and smooth |
| Ingredients | Meat, seafood, vegetables, saffron | Broth, cheese, butter, white wine |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes | 18-25 minutes |
| Final Dish | Main course | Main course or side dish |
| Flavor | Intense, sometimes smoky flavors | Mild and creamy flavor |
- Is paella healthy or unhealthy?
Paella can be a balanced meal—rich in vegetables, protein, and healthy fats—depending on the ingredients.
💡 Expert Tip
Use bomba rice or another short-grain variety to get the perfect texture. And don’t stir once the broth is added—this helps create the delicious socarrat (crispy rice crust) at the bottom!
🥘 Paella recipes everyone loves
Discover authentic Spanish flavors with these popular paella recipes that everyone loves: Black Rice 🦑 Paella with Garlic Mayonnaise, Octopus and Jumbo Shrimp Paella, and Iberian Paella with Garden Vegetables. Each dish highlights the tradition of Spanish rice cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flair.
Black Rice 🦑 Paella With Garlic Mayonnaise! Recipe by Chus Molinero
We Valencians love getting together with family or friends on Sundays to enjoy a good paella, so… Today I didn’t make a traditional paella, but I did whip up a black rice dish instead! I served it with garlic mayonnaise, which is a must in my house whenever we have this kind of rice. Living here in …
Chus Molinero
Octopus And Jumbo Shrimp Paella Recipe by Xavi
Great recipe for Octopus and Jumbo Shrimp Paella.
Xavi
Iberian Paella With Garden Vegetables Recipe by Jos3ma
Earthy flavor and passion: Iberian pork secreto, butter beans, and green beans in perfect harmony. A culinary journey where every bite tells a story of passion, place, and tradition.
Jos3ma