How to cook the perfect Paella Valenciana?

Detective Pux here, cracking the case of the perfect Valencia Paella.

Paella, a traditional Spanish dish, is a must-try for any food lover. And let me tell you, the key to a perfect paella is using the right ingredients and taking the time to cook it to perfection.

Here's what you'll need:

  • 2 cups of Bomba or Calasparra rice
  • 4 cups of chicken or seafood stock
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp of saffron threads
  • 1/2 lb of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 lb of rabbit or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb of mussels, scrubbed and debearded
  • 1/2 cup of green beans, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup of peas
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Heat up a paella pan or a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened.

Step 2: Add the chicken and rabbit or pork and sauté until browned on all sides.

Step 3: Add the rice and saffron threads and stir everything together, making sure that the rice is evenly coated in the oil.

Step 4: Add the stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add the green beans, peas, and mussels, and stir gently. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the mussels are open.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Now, the key to a perfect paella is using the right type of rice. Bomba or Calasparra rice are the traditional types of rice used in paella. They are short-grain and have a high absorption capacity, which allows them to absorb the flavors of the dish and become perfectly cooked.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the stock. Use a good quality chicken or seafood stock to give your paella more flavor and richness.

And don't be afraid to experiment with different meats, seafood, and vegetables. You can always try adding chorizo, squid, or even lobster.

Now, you may be wondering, where do I get a paella pan? Well, you can always purchase it online or at a specialty store. Paella pans are traditionally made of steel or cast iron and come in different sizes.

And lastly, the traditional way to cook paella is over an open flame, using charcoal. This allows the paella to be cooked evenly and gives it that smoky flavor that is so characteristic of paella.

So there you have it, folks, the recipe for the perfect Valencia Paella, solved by none other than yours truly, Detective Pux. Now go forth and cook up a storm, and remember, if you ever need help solving a culinary mystery, I'm the man for the job. Buen provecho!