Spanish Paella is one of the most famous dishes from Spain known for its vibrant color deep flavors and beautiful presentation. A traditional paella is cooked slowly in a wide shallow pan allowing the rice to absorb all the rich broth and spices while forming a delicious golden crust at the bottom called socarrat. With vegetables saffron infused rice and aromatic herbs paella feels festive comforting and full of character.
Paella was originally created in the Valencia region as a farmer style meal made with rice fresh vegetables and whatever ingredients were available. Over time it became a celebrated national dish enjoyed across Spain and around the world. Making paella at home is not difficult. You only need patience hot broth and correct technique so the rice cooks evenly without stirring.
This article explains every step in detail so you can prepare authentic Spanish style paella in your kitchen.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Paella Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup short grain paella rice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of saffron soaked in warm water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric optional for color
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetable Mix
- 1 cup green beans chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup artichoke hearts optional
- 1 vegetable broth cube optional
- 3 cups hot vegetable broth or water
For Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley chopped
Step by Step Method to Make Spanish Paella
Step 1
Prepare the Flavored Base
- Heat olive oil in a wide pan or paella pan.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add red and yellow bell peppers.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until tomato pieces soften and release juices.
- Add smoked paprika saffron water turmeric and salt.
- Mix gently until the spices release aroma.
This base gives paella its warm color and bold Spanish flavor.
Step 2
Add the Rice
- Pour the rice into the pan.
- Stir gently for one minute so every grain gets coated with the flavored oil.
- This step helps rice absorb flavor evenly.
Step 3
Add Hot Broth
- Pour hot vegetable broth into the pan.
- Add green beans peas and artichoke hearts.
- Do not stir after this stage.
- Keep the flame medium so the rice cooks slowly and absorbs the broth.
The rice should cook evenly and form a slight crust at the bottom which is a signature of paella.
Step 4
Slow Cook the Paella
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cook uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes.
- Check if the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
- If needed you can add a little more hot water but do not stir.
Paella should remain fluffy with each grain separate.
Step 5
Rest the Paella
- Turn off the heat.
- Cover the pan with a cloth or lid for five minutes.
- This resting time helps the rice set and develop deeper flavor.
Step 6
Serve the Paella
Paella is typically served directly from the pan.
Place on the table and garnish with
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
The fresh lemon juice enhances the warm saffron flavor and brightens the dish.
Tips for Perfect Spanish Paella
- Do not use long grain rice short grain absorbs flavor better
- Never stir after adding the broth
- Saffron gives authentic fragrance and color
- Always use hot broth for even cooking
- Let paella rest before serving
- Cook in a wide pan so the rice stays in a thin layer
Variations You Can Try
- Add mushrooms for a richer vegetarian version
- Add tofu or paneer cubes for protein
- Add seafood like prawns or mussels for classic seafood paella
- Add chicken pieces for a traditional Valencian mix
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
Values may vary
- Calories 350 to 450
- Carbohydrates 60g
- Protein 9g
- Fat 10g