The first time I saw paella being made, it was sizzling in the middle of a roof desk patio in Barcelona. The aroma of saffron, garlic, and seafood drifted through the air. Our little class gathered around the pan, laughing, talking, and waiting for the rice to finish cooking. And those pintxos while we waited. It felt less like a meal and more like a celebration with strangers turned quick friends.
That’s the heart of paella.
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia and is typically cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paellera. And there are so many regional variations. But, the dish almost always centers around rice, saffron, and a mix of proteins like chicken, seafood, or chorizo. More than anything, paella is meant to be shared. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table.
And here is our version.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Spain twice already. The first time was during a college backpacking trip through Barcelona. I was collecting friends from all over Europe and learning as much as I could about different cultures. A few years later, Chris and I returned as newlyweds for our honeymoon. Young, in love.
Now we have tickets booked for trip number three, this time with teenagers of our own for Spring Break. I can’t wait to share those same experiences with them. Spain has always felt like a cultural wonder to me. The food, the warmth of the people, and the way everyday life seems to celebrate community and connection.
That moment stuck with me.
Now, years later, I try to bring a little bit of that feeling into our kitchen at home.
To get ready for our upcoming trip, we decided to recreate a classic Spanish paella in our own way. The smell of garlic, paprika, and saffron filled the house, and for a moment it felt like we had been transported right back to Spain.
It also reminded me of those college days—and our honeymoon days—when travel felt brand new and full of possibility. And the fun-loving pics from these days, only cute by way of a too much sangria.
And the best part? Paella is still doing for us now what it was meant to do: bringing people together around the table. My people. Spain is a cultural wonder to me. The unique food, the liveliness of the people, finding the joy in community.
Recipe: Spanish Paella
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. bomba rice
- 3 c. chicken stock
- 4 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 healthy ‘pinches’ of saffron
- 2 tbsp. smoked paprika
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 lb. shrimp (shells and tails stay on)
- 1/2 lb. mussels
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 large red pepper, diced
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 dry chorizo, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 c. peas
Directions:
1. Start with the base
Heat the olive oil in a wide, shallow pan over medium heat. If you have a traditional paellera, now is its time to shine. If not, a large cast iron skillet works beautifully too.
Add the diced onion, red pepper, tomato, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
2. Cook the proteins
Add the diced chicken, chorizo, and smoked paprika. Stir gently and cook for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Toast the rice
Stir in the bomba rice and spread it evenly across the pan. Let the rice lightly toast for a few minutes—this step helps build flavor.
4. Add the broth and saffron
Pour in the chicken stock and add the saffron. Give everything one gentle stir, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the seafood
Place the shrimp and mussels on top of the rice, nestling them lightly into the mixture. Cover and continue simmering on low heat for another 15–20 minutes until the seafood is cooked and the rice is tender.
6. Finish the dish
Scatter the peas across the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Even if you’ve never been to Spain, this paella recipe lets you share a little bit of Spanish culture with your family. It’s colorful, flavorful, and a meal that invites conversation—and maybe a little friendly competition over the last shrimp!
And just in case you were curious! My favorite rice dishes on the GlobalKidchen journey so far: Egypt – Koshari, Grenada – Pelau, Tajikistan – Oshi Palav. Each one tells its own story—and each one brings the world a little closer to our dinner table.
File: Spanish Paella Recipe: Family-Style
