Paella, it's quite a story !
And it's a whole culture too...
When you think of Spain, you think of its warmth and gastronomy.
And paella can be eaten in many different forms!
Basically, paella is the type of pan used to make the dish.
The flat black steel or iron "saucepan" with two handles on the sides.
Normally, paella is at most 5 to 6 cms deep and infinite in diameter...
Sometimes the paella is huge!
And yes, the Spanish were the holders of the world's largest paella with a circumference of 21 metres.
And over eight tons of rice!
The origins of paella
Basically, paella comes from Valencia. This magnificent seaside town is less than 4 hours' drive from Barcelona.
Spain's third-largest city, Valencia is also worth a visit for its beautiful beaches and historic center.
And of course for its paella: "la paella valenciana which consists mainly of rabbit meat and vegetables.
That's right: no seafood originally!
Rice is essential in paella, and Valencia was a rice-growing region. Paëlla was a bit of a catch-all rice dish. We used whatever we had on hand.
Today, each region has its own specificity and its variants are numerous.
All paellas...
The basic paella is therefore made with meat. The Valencian paella is made from rabbit, and nowadays you can also find chicken-based paëllas.
And since Spain is a mediterranean country with a strong fishing industry, it's easy to see why seafood is such a good choice!
Marine paella is often made up of squid, shrimp, mussels and clams.
A much sought-after dish on all coasts and, in particular, in Andalusia.
And then, sometimes, we mix the two: meat and fish at the same time!
Rice is often very fragrant with lots of spices and saffron.
But rice can be black too! Thanks to cuttlefish and octopus ink. Nicknamed black paellabut it's well worth a taste!
White paella, on the other hand, contains no colorants.
And then, afterwards, vive l'imagination du cuisinier beer, lobster, vegetables...
And in Catalonia?
Catalonia also has its own culinary specialities, of course!
And even if the famous "paella de mariscos (seafood paella), Catalans are more tempted by their own version of paella: arroç negre. And yes, they have their own version of the black rice paella you can find in most Catalan restaurants.
I'd also recommend other local specialities that are well worth your while, such as "arroç caldoso. It's a rice dish bathed in its own juices, with a few pieces of meat.
And the famous "fideuà where rice is replaced by small pasta. It can also be black.
When it comes to accompaniments, fideuà or paëlla is often accompanied by a little lemon and especiallya generous amount of aioli, a very garlicky white sauce.
Let yourself be tempted by all these variations: they're really worth it!
When to eat paella
This is a fairly heavy dish. For better digestion, Spaniards generally eat it at lunchtime..
Well, the Spanish version of lunchtime, which is more like 2pm...
In the past, it was a festive meal or one reserved for Sundays. Nowadays, paella can be eaten any day of the week. Although some people still eat it Thursday at noon.
If you have any Spanish acquaintances, they will surely invite you one day to taste family paella.
Made over a wood fire in the garden, there's a fierce battle to see which family member makes the best paella.
Next, the elders stand by the paella as it is served on the table and eat it. with a spoon.
How do you eat it?
More than one!
And yes, almost every restaurant that offers it asks for it. a minimum of two place settings...
Finding a place to eat paella alone isn't exactly easy...
Alternatively, you can indulge in a daily menu.
Between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., many restaurants offer "Menú del día". for a really low price.
The cheapest are around 9-10 euros for a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, plus bread and a drink.
And they often serve paella or rice dishes as starters or main courses!
Keep your eyes peeled!
Where to eat paella in Barcelona?
I invite you to try the daily menus to make up your own mind but, of course, some places are renowned:
- In the Barceloneta This neighborhood is renowned for offering the best paellas. I often hear "La Mar Salada o "Can Solé. Renowned for its huge paëllas. The second has been in existence for 110 years.
- In the Poble Sec district: "Elche
- In the Eixample : "Tres Encinas
- In Gracià: "Arrosseria Xàtiva
- Outside Barcelona, opposite Garraf beach: "Masía Solior
Of course, I recommendavoid tourist areas and above all Rambla...
After that, it's also a nice place to have a drink if you like the tourist buzz...
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