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AN AVENGED 2022 SCAR TAKEN BACK TO VALENCIA

Paella holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, paella and lasagna were the birthday dishes my mom and grandma lovingly prepared for every one of my birthdays. So, when I finally found myself with some days off in Valencia—the birthplace of paella—I couldn’t think of a better plan than setting out to find the best paella ever.

For those who don’t know, paella is a short-grain rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan that gives the dish its traditional name. The process is deceptively simple yet deeply rooted in tradition: spread the rice evenly across the pan, pour in a rich broth with carefully chosen ingredients, and let it simmer until the broth is absorbed and the rice is bursting with flavor.

It’s the kind of one-pan dish that’s worth every second of effort—but to make a proper paella (and call it authentic), you need a special pan and a proper hornilla (a flat, wide burner).

A Dish for All Tastes

Paella can be made with all kinds of ingredients, from seafood-only versions (paella de mariscos, often called the “tourist paella”) to vegetable-based recipes (paella de verduras) for those who prefer a plant-based diet. This versatility is part of what makes paella such an iconic dish—it has something for everyone.

But on this journey, I wasn’t looking for just any paella. I wanted to taste the traditional version that put Valencia on the culinary map: Paella Valenciana. Made with rabbit, chicken, and snails, this is the recipe that embodies the spirit of the region.

So iconic is this dish that Valencia hosts an annual international competition to crown the world’s best paella. In 2022, Mexico took the title—can you believe it? Spain wasn’t having it, and in 2023, they fought to win back their culinary pride!

A Culinary Pilgrimage

In Valencia, paella is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the artistry of simplicity. Every bite of this dish carries a story, and as I set out on my quest to find the perfect paella, I felt a deep connection to my own story, rooted in my family’s kitchen.

Paella is also an amazing weekend dish where families gather to cook it over wood-fired stoves. The process of making it together is just as meaningful as enjoying the final product.

Now, I’ll leave you with a question: have you ever tasted a dish that connected you to your roots in such a powerful way? Or have you had a transformative food experience in Valencia? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!