Paella is the emblem of Valencian cuisine, and in summer, using seasonal ingredients is key to enhancing its flavors. With tips from Rafa Margós, our master paella chef, we'll teach you how to prepare paella using fresh, natural products. This summer, surprise your guests with a paella that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.
Perfect summer seasonal products for your paella
The success of a paella lies in the quality and freshness of its ingredients. In summer, nature offers us a variety of products that, when chosen carefully, can transform a simple paella into a masterpiece. Below, we'll explore the seasonal ingredients that are ideal for your summer paella.
Fresh seafood
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy fresh seafood, such as prawns, langoustines, mussels, and squid. These ingredients not only add exquisite flavor to paella, but also enrich your broths, giving them a deep and authentic character.
To guarantee the freshness of seafood, it's best to buy it at local markets, where it arrives directly from the port. Seafood caught in summer is usually more flavorful, as many species are at their peak ripeness. Langoustines and prawns, for example, reach their optimal point at this time, adding a sweet and delicate flavor to paella.
Summer vegetables
Seasonal vegetables are another essential component for a balanced paella. In summer, the Valencian orchards offer an abundance of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Some of the best options for your paella include:
- Tomatoes: Ripe summer tomatoes are juicy and sweet, perfect for the sofrito that will form the base of the paella. Their natural acidity balances the flavors of the seafood and rice.
- Peppers: The red and green bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Pre-roasted, they develop a smoky flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
- French beans: We Valencians call it bajoqueta. Fresh green beans add a crunchy texture and a slightly herbaceous flavor.
- Artichokes: Although not typical of summer, they can be found in some regions during this time. If you're lucky enough to find them, don't hesitate to add them, as their earthy flavor complements rice beautifully. They're Rafa's favorite ingredient!
- Zucchini: This mild and delicately flavored vegetable is perfect for adding a fresh and light touch to summer paella.
Herbs and spices: the finishing touch
Herbs and spices are essential for giving paella its unique character. In summer, fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme are at their peak. These herbs not only add flavor but also an aroma that elevates the dish to another level.
- Saffron: Saffron is the undisputed king of spices in paella. This spice, in addition to giving the rice its characteristic golden color, provides a floral and slightly bitter flavor that is essential for an authentic paella.
- Pimentón de la Vera: This smoked paprika adds depth and a touch of warmth to the dish. It's ideal to pair with seafood and roasted vegetables.
The broth: the foundation of everything
The broth is the heart of paella. At El Paeller, we prepare our seafood and fish broth by hand, over a wood fire, using 100% natural ingredients. This slow and careful process is what gives the broth such a deep and complex flavor, which is transmitted to every grain of rice. In our case, the ingredients come from Dénia, to give the broth quality and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
For a summer paella, the broth should be light yet flavorful, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine. A good seafood broth, enriched with shrimp shells and squid juices, is the perfect base for a paella that captures the essence of the sea.
Recipe for seafood and summer vegetable paella
Now that you know the key ingredients, it's time to get cooking. Here's a recipe that combines the best of the sea and the garden, so you can prepare a seafood and summer vegetable paella that will leave all your guests speechless.
Ingredients
- 400g of bomba rice
- 200g of fresh prawns
- 150g of langoustines
- 200g of mussels
- 150g of squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
- 100g of chopped green beans
- 2 ripe tomatoes, grated
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of La Vera paprika
- A few strands of saffron
- 1 liter of El Paeller wood-fired seafood broth
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps to follow
- Prepare the sofritoIn a large paella pan, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it begins to brown. Then, add the peppers and green beans, and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the seafoodAdd the prawns, langoustines, and squid to the paella. Cook for a few minutes until the seafood begins to change color. Remove the langoustines and prawns and set them aside for later.
- Add the tomato and paprika: Add the grated tomato to the sautéed vegetables and cook until it has reduced and blended well with the other ingredients. Then, stir in the paprika and stir quickly to prevent it from burning.
- Cooking rice: Pour the bomba rice into the paella pan and mix it well with the sofrito, making sure all the grains are well coated in oil and flavors. Then, add the hot seafood stock and the saffron threads.
- Cook without stirringCook over medium-high heat for the first 10 minutes, then reduce to medium heat for another 7 minutes. Do not stir the rice at any time.
- Add the reserved seafood: When the rice is almost ready, add the reserved prawns and langoustines on top. This will allow them to finish cooking in the residual heat. Turn the heat up to high for 1 minute, or until all the stock has evaporated.
- Rest and decoration: Once the rice is cooked, remove the paella from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Our tips for your paella with seasonal products
To ensure your summer paella is a complete success, follow these tips from our paella master, Rafa Margós:
- Always use fresh, seasonal produceSeasonal ingredients are not only tastier, but also more economical and sustainable.
- Control the fire carefullyPaella requires constant and even heat so that the rice cooks uniformly.
- Do not stir the rice during cookingAlthough it may be tempting, it is important to let the rice cook without stirring so that the socarrat forms, that crispy layer at the bottom that everyone loves.
- Adjust the salt level at the end. Remember that the broth already contains salt, so adjust during cooking if necessary.
With this recipe and our tips, you'll be ready to prepare a summer paella that captures all the flavors of the Mediterranean. Enjoy the experience of cooking and sharing this special dish with your family and friends!
