What are the different types of rice for Paella?

Paella is a popular Spanish dish made with rice, seafood, and vegetables. There are many different types of paella, each with its unique flavour profile. The type of rice used to make this dish is an essential factor in determining the flavour and texture of the dish. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of rice used for paella and help you choose the best type of rice for your next dish or to offer in your business.

What is Paella?

This is a popular dish worldwide that originates from Spain. It is typically made with short-grain rice, saffron, vegetables, and meat or seafood and is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan over an open fire; this allows for the rice to be evenly cooked and gives it a unique flavour. This Spanish dish is often served with a saffron-infused broth, typically garnished with lemon wedges.

A short history of Paella

There is many stories about the origins of this Spanish dish. Still, the most likely explanation is that it was created by rice workers in the Valencia region of Spain. Paella is traditionally made with a type of rice called bomba, which is grown in the wetlands around the city of Valencia.

The dish gets its name from the pan in which it is cooked, called ‘paella’ and is normally prepared with chicken, rabbit and green beans, but there are many other variations of the dish. For example, seafood paella includes shrimp, lobster, and crab, while vegetarian paella is also common, often eating mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

This delicious dish is typically served as a main course but can be made in smaller portions like an appetizer or side dish. No matter how it is served, this exquisite dish will add a touch of Mediterranean flavour to any meal.

What are the different types of Paella?

There are many different types of paella; each made with unique ingredients. The most common type is Valencian paella, made with chicken, rabbit, and green beans. Other popular varieties include Meat paella, made with beef, pork, chorizo sausage, and ‘Paella marinera’, a seafood preparation made with shrimp, squid, and lobster.

Mixed paella is made with any combination of meats and seafood, while Black paella (arroz negro) gets its distinctive colour from squid ink. Other variations include vegetarian paella, made with vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions, and Paella Bogavante (Arroz de bogavante), a dish made with lobster. No matter what type of paella you choose to make, it’s sure to be delicious.

The 4 Best Types of Rice for Paella 

There is a lot of debate about what type of rice you should use for your Paella. While there are many different types, they all have unique flavours and textures that will affect how your finished dish tastes. This list can help guide the perfect choice for your next paella.

For authentic paella, Bomba rice is generally used. This short-grain rice is originally from Spain and has a high absorption rate, which means it can absorb flavours well.

Another type of rice is Calasparra rice. This type of rice is also native to Spain and has a slower cook time than other rice. It is also known for its fluffiness and nutty flavour.

Arborio rice is a type of Italian rice commonly used in paella. This rice has an excellent absorbency rate and, unlike Bomba rice, has a longer grain and is less clingy.

You can use Sushi rice instead of traditional paella spices for a different flavour. This Japanese long-grained and sticky rice is frequently used to make delicious rolls, but it may also be cooked down into your favourite paella. To avoid extra starch when preparing this tasty treat before cooking, simply rinse all ingredients thoroughly under running water.

Ultimately, the rice you use is up to you and will depend on your personal preferences. However, to keep in mind, it is important to ensure that it is thoroughly cooked before serving whatever type of rice you choose.

Fiore Foods has the perfect rice options for your business if you are a distributor of specialty and fine foods in Canada. We offer various types of rice from Spain and are known for their high quality and absorbency rate, which will give your customers the proper rice to make a perfect paella with a unique flavour and texture. So if you are looking for gourmet food products, check out our selection of rice at Fiore Foods.