While just Paella is enough already as a meal, since Paella is a dish used for the celebration of life and a sense of sharing a great time with our friends and family, in Spain we like to start the experience with some dishes that will create a longer, deeper and of course, richer experience.
Take note of the next accompaniments if you want to recreate the true Spanish Paella tradition!
Index
Mediterranean Salad
Another classic of our gastronomy, yet an absolute essential when it comes to enjoying the best Paella, is a mediterranean-based ingredient salad, with the mixture of:
Romaine lettuce, tomato, potato, onion, olives, salt and olive oil as the base.
It’s freshness will prepare our digestive system for what’s to come!
Alioli Sauce
A very Valencian sauce made of garlic and olive oil is a classic for some when it comes to adorning the Paella.
While not everyone will enjoy its taste, it is still an absolute must to be on the table for those who do desire to use it.
However, keep in mind that due to its strong taste if you put too much quantity it will overcome the taste of the Paella.
Lemon
As with AliOli, using lemon to dress the Paella is an act that not everybody will do, but yet it is considered essential to have some lemons prepared for those who want to add a critic and more fresh taste to the Paella.
But, as with AliOli, beware of the quantity if you don’t want to invade the true taste of the rice.
Jamón
Of course, our most famous dish could not be completed with the king of the crown of our gastronomy, our as well iconic and famous Jamón.
A true delicatessen that when served as a starter can only make the experience even more celestial. Because it is only right to enjoy a Paella with a plate of Jamón.
Wine
What is there to say about the most ancient drink that has been an essential part of the mediterranean culture and way of life since the early centuries?
The right kind of wine, whether it is a cold white wine or a more traditional red wine, is critical when gathering together around a Paella si it will bring the best of the conversation and a relaxed manner that will make us enjoy even more the moment with our beloved ones.
Sangría
Obviously, if there is a drink that is ideal for a Paella experience, and that doesn’t get any more Spanish, is the Sangria.
The cold, wine based drink is the perfect accompaniment for our most famous dish, especially in those hot summer days.
Remember the ingredients to create one: let macerate for about two hours wine, lemon and orange, other fruits, spices like cinnamon, and some Vermut if you feel like it, to have the most refreshing drink!
Gazpacho
Another mythical Spanish drink, ideal for a Paella experience as well most suited for the summer, is our beloved gazpacho.
A popular drink that started with to help peasants with their hard working days, Gazpacho is a drink of several ingredients such as:
Olive oil, vinegar, water, raw vegetables, usually tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and garlic.
Lemon Sorbet
Because after many dishes, and a lot of quantity, one may end up very full but still in need of a refreshing finish, a great option is then a fine lemon sorbet. In this way, you will finish the meal with a refreshing flavor that will help you digest the Paella.
Based on lemons, add sugar, egg white and water and you will have all the ingredients to make this dessert. You can add some cava to put some alcohol to it as well.
AND THAT’S IT!
We have finally arrived to the end of our complete Guide to All Things Paella. However if you feel there is any more information in particular that you would like to know more in depth please let us know.
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To know the traditional Paella recipes and how to cook them check our Traditional Paella Recipes guide!
To discover the essence and true beauty of Paella check our The Paella Ritual Guide
