At Gastronomic Spain, we are an online store specialized in bringing the best of Spanish gastronomy to every corner of Europe. Our customers are, for the most part, Spaniards living abroad who don’t want to give up the taste of home. That’s why, among our most sought-after categories, paella holds a place of honor, and in this article, we want to talk about common mistakes when making paella and the solutions we see from our point of view. In addition, in our ecommerce we offer everything from rice, traditional sofritos, broths, spices, to paella pans and complete kits so that any lover of good cooking can prepare an authentic Spanish paella at home, wherever they are.
What are the common mistakes when making paella?
Using the wrong rice:
One of the most common mistakes is using just any type of rice. Long-grain rice or basmati, for example, do not absorb the broth as they should, nor do they offer that creamy-on-the-outside and loose-on-the-inside texture that defines a good paella.
Although many people don’t pay attention to this, this small detail can make all the difference in giving the paella one texture or another, so it’s a fairly common mistake that can be easily avoided.
How can we avoid using the wrong rice?
The solution is to use bomba rice or round rice specially made for paella, like the ones we offer in our online store. Their absorption capacity is key to achieving the perfect flavor.
Overcooking or making it too soupy
If your paella ends up soupy or mushy, it’s probably because too much broth was added or it was cooked for too long. Paella needs the right amount of liquid and total control over the heat.
Many times we don’t consider the cooking time and go beyond the recommended 20 minutes, and since we don’t measure the needed broth, we end up adding too much liquid.
This will make the rice overcook and won’t give that ideal texture needed for an amazing paella.
How can we fix overcooking?
As cliché as it sounds, follow the right proportions (generally, twice the amount of broth to rice) and stick to the correct timing. A paella should not be stirred like a risotto. And if you want to make things easier, you can use our ready-to-use broths and fumets, with exact measurements and homemade flavor.
The most sold broth in our online store is the Gallina Blanca Paella Broth, followed by Aneto Paella Broth. Even though the second one is more expensive, it’s usually the one our customers prefer.
Using ingredients that don’t belong
Another very common mistake is using ingredients that don’t belong. Chorizo, onion, or peas are not part of a traditional paella, although many people abroad think they are. You also don’t need to mix seafood, meat, vegetables, and chicken all in one dish. Less is more!
How can we fix the issue of using the wrong ingredients?
From the list of common mistakes when making paella, this one is the hardest to accept, as it relates to cultural habits and adaptations. But at Gastronomic Spain — and as Valencians — we recommend that if you really want to make an authentic Valencian paella, only use high-quality ingredients.
Choose a classic and well-executed variation: seafood paella, chicken and rabbit paella, or vegetable paella. Our paella lovers are big fans of seafood paella, so let us help you build your shopping list:
Seafood and fish (this should be bought locally so it’s fresh)
Make your paella like a real expert
Personally, the mistake I’ve made the most is using the wrong rice. Until I tried Valencian bomba rice, I never understood why it didn’t turn out like back home. Since then, it’s a must-have in my pantry.
Don’t worry! Many people make common mistakes when cooking paella, but the trick is to practice and learn. Nobody is born an expert and you need to controle the common mistakes when making paella.
If you also want to prepare an authentic paella without the hassle, at Gastronomic Spain we have all the products you need: rice, condiments, broths, canned seafood, paella pans, and more. Delivered straight to your home, wherever you are in Europe.
👉 Click here and start cooking the taste of home. Your next paella will thank you!
