Enjoying a freshly served bowl of zesty paella is an integral part of a visit to Valencia, and if you're studying Spanish there soon you'd better familiarize yourself with it! Many of us have heard the name, but what on earth is it? A whole grain bread? A noodle casserole?
Paella is a combined, usually colorful mish-mash of rice, vegetables, and any combination of seafood (or even beans or other varieties of meat) arranged in a wide paella pan, or paellera. While it is seen as a Spanish food globally, its origins lie in Valencia, a lovely beach town (and perfect setting for Spanish study!).
There are many ways to prepare paella, but the traditional Valencian recipe is made with white rice, chicken or other small fowl, artichoke, butter beans, tomatoes, and spices. These days, the modern seafood method is preferred and the coastal Mediterranean recipe includes much more seafood: shrimp, fish, eel, and snails.
Remember to make sure "paella" is a part of your Spanish vocabulary when you go to Spain; especially if you're in Valencia!
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