Paella

Today was a pretty low-key day overall. In the morning we just had language classes, break-time or "descanso", and culture class before heading home for siesta. However, in the afternoon we were split into three groups to do various activities throughout the week. Today, my group walked to the apartment of a man named Guillermo to learn how to make paella, a traditional Spanish dish.

Paella is thought to be a very traditional Spanish dish by many foreigners, but here in Spain it is actually considered more of a Valencian dish, although it is eaten almost everywhere (I'm in Aragón and not Valencia after all). The dish originated along the Mediterranean coast in Moorish Spain when farmers improved Roman irrigation systems and subsequently produced a greater yield of rice. The Spaniards began to add fish, meat, and vegetables to the rice over time, and the dish has since evolved into what it is today. The name "paella" comes from the word paellera, which was a type of pan used to cook rice in the open air during the 1700s. 

Although I'd already had paella two times before, I have to say this was the best paella I've had so far. It was pretty cool to see all the ingredients that go into the paella and then watch it all come together. There are many different types of paella, but saffron, olive oil, and rice are always key ingredients. Today we made a seafood paella, or paella de marisco. Here are some photos of the ingredients that are more specific to paella de marisco:

 

Guillermo did a great job letting us participate. I cut the calamari into little chunks while other students accomplished tasks such as peeling the shrimp. Then, he let us watch as he started to put everything together into the pan.

Whitney, my friend from Minnesota, and
Guillermo putting on some final touches.

After an hour or so of preparation, the paella was finally ready to eat. We were all pretty eager to fill our bowls after seeing the process of making paella. Here's the finished product:

 

Super delicious!

I really enjoyed our experience making paella. Although it seems like a small activity, I liked learning about a dish that is important to Spanish culture, and of course we all enjoyed eating the final product. During my short time in Spain, I've really started to notice and appreciate the smaller details in Spanish culture, such as the history of the various types of paella. Who knew you could learn some culture just by throwing together some rice and shellfish?