0:00 / 12:45
Developed with YouTube

Authentic Traditional Valencian Paella

groups4 servingsspeedMediumcountertopsPrep: 20 minsskilletCook: 40 minsscheduleTotal: 60 minsoutdoor_grillStewed

Recipe details are AI-generated from the video and may contain errors — for reference only.

skilletInstruction

17 Steps Total
01
Active Cooking
00:00:11

Pour 150 ml of extra virgin olive oil into the center of the paella pan. Tilt the pan slightly to check that the oil almost reaches the handle rivets.

local_fire_departmentMedium heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Use the exact amount of oil

too much will make the rice greasy, and too little will make it stick prematurely

Ingredients:olive oil (150 ml)
Tools:paella pan
02
Active Cooking
00:00:34
warningStay safe

Be careful with hot oil splashes when adding raw meat.

Add 700 g of chicken pieces and 500 g of rabbit pieces to the hot oil. Keep high heat and fry while stirring continuously. Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt to prevent oil splashes.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

The meat must be thoroughly fried and browned on the outside to form a flavorful fond on the bottom of the pan.

Ingredients:chicken (700 g)rabbit pieces (500 g)Salt (1 tsp)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
03
Active Cooking
00:01:44

Add 1 sliced red bell pepper to one side of the pan and fry for about 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

local_fire_departmentMedium-high heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Do not burn the pepper strips

they should only be lightly sautéed

Ingredients:red bell pepper (1 piece)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
04
Active Cooking
00:02:36

Remove the fried pepper strips from the paella pan and set them aside on a separate plate for garnishing at the end.

lightbulb

Watch out

Handle gently with the spatula so the pepper strips stay intact.

Ingredients:red bell pepper
Tools:plate
05
Active Cooking
00:04:01

Add 350 g of cut flat green beans and 250 g of garrofó butter beans. Sauté with the meat stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.

local_fire_departmentMedium-high heat
lightbulb

Watch out

The vegetables should be sautéed in the rendered fat without burning.

Ingredients:flat green beans (350 g)garrofó butter beans (250 g)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
06
Active Cooking
00:04:26

Make a space in the center of the paella pan, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it.

local_fire_departmentMedium heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Garlic burns very easily

if burned, it will give a bitter taste to the whole dish

Ingredients:Garlic (3 clove)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
07
Active Cooking
00:04:46

Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sweet paprika in the center and quickly stir it into the hot oil for about 10 seconds.

local_fire_departmentMedium heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Stir the paprika immediately and add the tomato right away to prevent burning.

Ingredients:paprika powder (2 tbsp)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
08
Active Cooking
00:05:01

Add 4 tbsp of crushed tomatoes immediately over the paprika and mix thoroughly with the sautéed mixture for 1 minute.

local_fire_departmentMedium heat
lightbulb

Watch out

The moisture in the tomato stops the paprika from roasting further and turning bitter.

Ingredients:crushed tomatoes (4 tbsp)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
09
Active Cooking
00:05:14

Pour about 2.5 L of clean water into the paella pan until it reaches the level of the inner handle rivets.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Do not exceed the rivet line so that the liquid volume remains correct after boiling.

Ingredients:water (2.5 l)
Tools:saucepan
10
Active Cooking
00:05:32

Sprinkle 1 tsp of saffron threads or food coloring into the water and stir with the skimmer to dissolve completely.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Add the coloring before the water reaches a rolling boil to prevent lump formation.

Ingredients:saffron powder (1 tsp)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
11
Active Cooking
00:05:46

Let the broth boil over high heat for 15 minutes so the meat and vegetables release their flavors. The liquid level will reduce until it rests just below the rivets.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Keep boiling for the full 15 minutes to release all the caramelised pan juices into the broth.

12
Active Cooking
00:06:16

Distribute 400 g of round rice forming a line across the boiling broth. Gently spread the rice evenly under the liquid and do not stir again.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Never stir the rice once distributed, as it will release starch and make the paella sticky.

Ingredients:Arroz Calasparra paella rice (400 g)
Tools:paella skimmer ladle
13
Active Cooking
00:06:54
warningStay safe

The broth is extremely hot; blow gently before tasting.

Taste the boiling broth with a spoon and add 1 tsp of additional salt if needed so the rice absorbs full flavor.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Adjust the salt now while there is plenty of broth, before the rice absorbs it.

Ingredients:Salt (1 tsp)
Tools:tasting spoon
14
Active Cooking
00:08:40

Place 8 pre-fried meatballs (pelotas) evenly over the surface of the paella, pushing them slightly into the rice.

local_fire_departmentHigh heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Place the meatballs gently so as not to break the rice grains.

Ingredients:Meat Balls (8 piece)
15
Active Cooking
00:10:34

Arrange the reserved fried pepper strips symmetrically over the rice while the broth reduces on medium heat.

local_fire_departmentMedium heat
lightbulb

Watch out

The pepper strips are meant for surface garnish

do not stir them in

Ingredients:red bell pepper
16
Active Cooking
00:10:57

Cook the rice over gentle heat for about 8 to 10 minutes more until all liquid is absorbed and the grains become al dente and separated.

local_fire_departmentLow heat
lightbulb

Watch out

The rice should not be sticky or watery

it must be dry with whole firm grains

17
Active Cooking
00:11:23
warningStay safe

Use thick kitchen towels or heat-resistant gloves when moving or touching the hot paella pan.

Keep the pan on minimum heat for the final 1 to 2 minutes. Listen for the crackling sound to form a golden, crispy bottom crust (socarrat), then turn off heat.

local_fire_departmentMinimum heat
lightbulb

Watch out

Turn off the heat immediately once a strong toasted aroma appears

overburning will make it bitter

Tools:oven mitts

groceryAll Ingredients

olive oil150 ml
chicken700 g
rabbit pieces500 g
red bell pepper1 piece
Salt2 tsp
flat green beans350 g
garrofó butter beans250 g
Garlic3 clove
paprika powder2 tbsp
crushed tomatoes4 tbsp
water2.5 l
saffron powder1 tsp
Arroz Calasparra paella rice400 g
Meat Balls8 piece

blenderAll Tools Needed

paella panpaella skimmer ladleplatesaucepantasting spoonoven mitts