The original paella
Paella comes from the Valencia region on Spain’s east coast, where rice has been grown around the Albufera lagoon for centuries. The dish known as paella Valenciana is the countryside version: meat and vegetables, not seafood.
Traditional ingredients
The classic recipe uses round rice, chicken and rabbit, flat green beans, large white butter beans (garrofó), tomato, olive oil, saffron and water, sometimes with rosemary or snails. Valencians argue fiercely about what does and doesn’t belong.
What it isn’t
Seafood paella (paella de marisco) and mixed paella (paella mixta) are different dishes. Chorizo in paella is popular outside Spain but not traditional in Valencia.
How it’s cooked
The meat is browned in a wide, shallow pan, the vegetables and tomato go in, then water and saffron to make the broth. The rice is spread evenly and left to cook without stirring, and a toasted crust, the socarrat, forms on the base.
Why so many rules?
Paella is a source of regional pride in Valencia, and locals have strong views on the right ingredients and method. Outside Spain, recipes are freer. Both are valid; just don’t call a chorizo paella ‘Valenciana’ in front of a Valencian.
Cooking over wood
Traditionally, paella Valenciana was cooked over a wood fire, often using orange or vine wood, which adds a subtle smoky note. At events, gas burners give more control over the heat.
Serving
In Valencia, paella is often eaten straight from the pan, with each person eating from the section in front of them. At events, it’s usually served onto plates.
Paella Valenciana at events
At events, a chicken paella in the Valenciana style is often the most popular pan, because it suits guests who don’t eat seafood and children who prefer simple flavours. Rabbit is traditional but less popular in Britain, so many event menus use chicken alone. If you want a more traditional version, ask your caterer.
Paired with a seafood paella and a vegetable or vegan paella, it gives a balanced spread for most events.
At your event
A Valenciana-style chicken paella is one of our most popular pans. See the menu.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote.