For simplicity sake, I am going to put everything you need to get going with your paella here on one page. The essential ingredients you will need are the rice, paprika, saffron, a nice Spanish oil and a paella pan.
Let’s start with the rice. I highly recommend the Bomba rice. I have tried the Matiz and several others, but my best paella always turns out with the Bomba rice. A small bag and a larger one are below.
Here are three kinds of paprika. The first is sweet mild, then bittersweet and then the smoked. They are all different, and it is going to depend on your taste. I prefer the smoked, then the sweet mild and then the bittersweet. The smoked gives off a true smokey flavor so if you don’t like that, go with the sweet mild.
The saffron is what truly makes the paella for me, giving it a rich golden, red color. There are two kinds to choose from, then I added one that comes with a mortar and pestle. I use these to really crush the saffron before I add it. I think it helps to really blend the saffron throughout the cooking.
A nice Spanish olive oil is heavenly. I am a big fan of flavored olive oils. I find both the flavor of the olive oil and whatever is added so rich. Maybe it is because the garlic or herbs added marinate in the oil and end up with more flavor. Here are a few to choose from with great prices. The first comes with garlic, the second with rosemary and the third with lemons.
The paella pan…you want one! Part of making the paella is the final presentation, and it’s not the same if it’s not in a paella pan. They are also designed to hold the heat evenly which is crucial to your paella cooking right. They make special burners for cooking paella, but you can easily cook on your gas range or even a gas grill. Electric burners are a bit tough as it’s so hard to get consistent even temperatures with electric. You can do it though. Keep the temperature low once all the ingredients are added, and finish it longer in the oven to prevent burning it on the stove top. Here is a pan that will serve up to 16 hungry folks. This is great for parties and entertaining.
And lastly, I had to throw in some chorizo. It can be hard to find depending on where you live, and I think you will love this as a flavorful addition to almost any paella recipe. The first is hot, and the second is mild. I like it hot!
