paella Meaning

  • casual

Paella is a iconic Spanish rice dish originating from the Valencia region. While it is often associated with seafood, the traditional recipe typically includes rabbit, chicken, and snails, all cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a "paellera" that allows for a crispy bottom layer of rice known as "socarrat." The word is used to describe both the dish itself and the social gathering surrounding it. In Spain, it is traditionally a lunchtime meal prepared outdoors, often by a group, emphasizing its role as a communal, celebratory food rather than a quick everyday snack.

paella in Conversation

Planning a dinner

  • Elena: Should we make paella for the party on Saturday?Should we make paella for the party on Saturday?
  • Marcus: I'd love to, but do you have a big enough pan?I'd love to, but do you have a big enough pan?

Refers to the equipment needed for the dish.

At a restaurant

  • Waiter: The paella takes about thirty minutes to prepare, is that alright?The paella takes about thirty minutes to prepare, is that alright?
  • Customer: That's perfect, we'll order some tapas while we wait.That's perfect, we'll order some tapas while we wait.

Highlights the time-intensive nature of cooking traditional paella.

Examples

  1. We ate delicious paella by the beach.

    We ate delicious paella by the beach.

  2. The secret to a great paella is achieving the perfect socarrat on the bottom.

    The secret to a great paella is achieving the perfect socarrat on the bottom.

  3. Preparing an authentic Valencian paella requires precise heat control and patience.

    Preparing an authentic Valencian paella requires precise heat control and patience.