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National Spanish Paella Day 2023: Date, Impact and Facts

National Spanish Paella Day, observed on March 27, honours a dish steeped in tradition. Always prepared in a round, flat-bottomed pan with handles, the dish's name is most likely derived from the Latin word "patella," a flat plate on which sacrifices were made to the gods.

By Sanya Oberoi
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National Spanish Paella Day 2023: Paella, considered by many to be Spain’s national dish, originated, as do many traditional dishes, as “peasant” food — a lunchtime rice dish prepared over an open fire by field labourers. National Spanish Paella Day, observed on March 27, honours a dish steeped in tradition. Always prepared in a round, flat-bottomed pan with handles, the dish’s name is most likely derived from the Latin word “patella,” a flat plate on which sacrifices were made to the gods. The open flame is essential because it creates the essential and distinctive layer of caramelised rice at the bottom of the paella pan. Delicious!

HISTORY OF NATIONAL PAELLA DAY IN SPAIN

The dish known as Spanish Paella originated in an eastern Spanish littoral region. Specifically, it can be traced back to the magnificent port city of Valencia on the Balearic Sea. Since rice is the main component of this dish, it makes sense that the location where paella originated would be a major rice producer. Valencia, which has one of the largest natural ports near the Mediterranean Sea, has been a significant producer of rice for the past 800 years.

The humble origins of the food can be traced back to when farmers and agricultural labourers needed to prepare a midday meal over an open fire. The farmers would begin with rice and then add whatever they could discover. Protein sources may have included tomatoes, onions, legumes, or even snails. In addition to saffron or other expensive spices, rabbit, duck, or poultry might have been added for special occasions. Of course, Valencia’s proximity to the water meant that seafood ultimately became a natural component of the cuisine.

As this dish’s culture continued to evolve, certain types of ingredients grew in popularity, Valencia Rice became more accessible in other regions, and paella became a staple in Spain. Today, paella is the generic term for a category of rice dishes with over 200 variations!

Regarding the pronunciation of the name, it is “pa-e-ya.” However, Valencia has its own dialect of the Spanish language, and “la paella” may refer to “the pan” in which the dish is prepared. Although another legend claims that the dish is named after the pan, “paellera,” which is a large skillet with two handles designed specifically for cooking the dish over an open flame.

NATIONAL SPANISH PAELLA DAY ACTIVITIES

Take a paella class

Sign up for a fantastic paella class in your city, as paella preparation requires a certain amount of skill. A couple of hours learning how to prepare a delicious rice dish, and possibly an occasion to drink sangria? What could be more ideal?

Have a paella celebration!

The best way to savour paella is with friends. In fact, it is intended to be distributed! Invite a few of your BFFs (best culinary friends) over, prepare a pan of paella, and prepare for a fantastic evening.

Locate excellent paella in your city.

Good paella is not difficult to prepare, but exceptional paella is on a different level and deserves appreciation. Make a reservation at the restaurant in your city with the reputation for serving the finest paella by conducting research.

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Importance of National Paella Day in Spain

This is something to share with companions.

Paella is traditionally served directly from the pan to the table, making it a very social dish. It is the ideal occasion for gathering a group of close pals for a meal.

It requires skill

For a dish to be termed “paella,” a particular cooking method must be used. In addition to using pearl-like, short-grain rice, paella must be prepared in the traditional shallow, flat-bottomed pan. Once the ingredients have been added, they should not be disturbed to enable the socarrat, or crispy bottom rice layer, to form.

It’s adaptable

Paella is all about the rice, so the other ingredients are optional. Traditional Valencian paella is prepared with chicken, rabbit, and white beans, but seafood and vegetable paellas also exist. The choice of ingredients is entirely up to you, so experiment with a paella pan!

NATIONAL SPANISH PAELLA DAY DATES

Year Date Day
2023 March 27 Monday
2024 March 27 Wednesday
2025 March 27 Thursday
2026 March 27 Friday
2027 March 27 Saturday

Sanya Oberoi is a Journalism Graduate from Indraprastha University, Delhi. @SanyaOberoi8

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