Paella is Spain’s most famous dish, and while you can find it all over the country (thanks in part to tourism), it is undeniably Valencian. Valencia has been a major agricultural hub for over eleven centuries and Spain’s largest rice producer since the Arabs introduced it to the region in the 8th century.

Originally a humble farmer’s meal, paella was created by Valencian field workers who cooked rice with whatever ingredients they had on hand—typically onions, tomatoes, beans, and snails (an abundant ingredient in agriculture). Later, meats like rabbit and chicken were added. Over time, seafood paella became popular in coastal areas, and today, you can find paella made with countless ingredient variations.

Though it began as a simple countryside dish, paella has risen to become one of Spain’s most prized delicacies. But the good news? It’s not that difficult to make! Like an American BBQ, paella is all about bringing people together over a great meal. With the right tools and ingredients, you can create an authentic paella right in your own backyard.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to build your very own paella kit—so you can make the perfect paella at home.

1. A Great Paella Recipe

Before anything else, you need a solid recipe to follow. One of the best cookbooks out there is “Paella”, which breaks down techniques, ingredients, and 50 easy-to-follow recipes to help you master the dish.

🔗 Find the “Paella” cookbook here.

2. The Right Paella Pan

A traditional paella pan is wide, shallow, and made of steel or cast iron to allow the rice to cook evenly in a thin layer. Paella is meant to be cooked over an open flame, so a quality pan is essential.

🔹 18-inch (46 cm) pan – Feeds 10 to 12 people, perfect for a paella burner. 🔗 Buy here
🔹 16-inch (40 cm) pan – Feeds 8 people, works on stovetops, ovens, BBQs, or a paella burner. 🔗 Buy here
🔹 Paella Pan Set – Includes the pan, burner, and stand for outdoor cooking. 🔗 Buy here

3. High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Olive oil is not only the t is the elixir of life but the  foundation of a delicious paella, giving it depth and richness. Spanish EVOO is the best choice for authenticity.

🔗 Pick up Spanish olive oil here.

4. Paella Rice (Bomba or Calasparra Rice)

The most important ingredient in paella is the rice. Spanish paella rice is short-grain, absorbs three times its volume in liquid, and creates the perfect socarrat, the crispy, caramelized crust at the bottom of the pan.

🔹 Bomba Rice – The best traditional paella rice. 🔗 Buy here
🔹 Calasparra Rice – A great alternative to Bomba rice. 🔗 Buy here
🔹 Arborio Rice – Works in a pinch if you can’t find Spanish rice. 🔗 Buy here

5. Saffron (The Essential Spice for Flavor & Color)

No real paella is complete without saffron, the spice that gives the dish its signature golden color and delicate floral aroma. Unfortunately, many restaurants opt for cheaper alternatives, but real saffron makes all the difference.

As the most expensive spice in the world, saffron is often skipped to cut costs, yet its unique flavor and rich history are irreplaceable. Introduced to Spain by the Arabs in the 8th century, saffron—known as az-zafaran—originally came from Asia. Today, Spain produces over 70% of the world’s saffron, with the finest varieties cultivated in La Mancha, Northern Spain.

🔗 Buy authentic Spanish saffron here.

6. High-Quality Broth (Seafood or Chicken Stock)

Authentic paella is traditionally made with homemade stock, often crafted from discarded seafood shells to enhance the depth of flavor. However, not everyone has the time to prepare their own broth. A great substitute for convenience is Seafood Paella Stock, which provides rich, authentic flavor without the extra effort.

If you’re not a seafood fan, chicken broth is also a great alternative that still delivers delicious results.

🔗Seafood Paella Stock – Ideal for seafood paella Buy here

7. Sofrito (The Flavor Base of Every Paella)

A great sofrito is the foundation of a rich, flavorful paella. This slow-cooked mix of tomato, onion, garlic, and peppers adds depth to the dish.

🔗 Buy authentic Spanish sofrito here.

8. Spanish Chorizo (For Meat-Based Paellas)

If you’re making a meat paella, adding Spanish chorizo will give it a smoky, rich flavor. Not all chorizo is the same, so look for an authentic Spanish chorizo.

🔗 Find authentic Spanish chorizo here.

9. Pimentón de la Vera (Smoked Spanish Paprika)

Spanish pimentón (paprika) gives paella its smoky depth. Look for Pimentón de la Vera, which comes in sweet or slightly spicy varieties.

🔗 Buy Pimentón de la Vera here.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring the flavors of Spain into your kitchen? With the right tools and ingredients, making authentic paella at home is easier than you think! Whether you’re cooking on a stove, BBQ, or paella burner, this step-by-step guide will help you build the perfect paella kit and master this iconic Spanish dish.

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