The Spanish eat lots of rice, especially in and around the region of Valencia, which is famous for "paella." We've put together the top rice dishes from Spanish cuisine. Choose from simple dishes like "arroz a la cubana" or more complicated ones like "arroz con morcilla" and "paella de marisco."
Seafood Paella Recipe - Paella de Marisco
(c) 2006 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com, Inc.
This is the KING of Spanish rice dishes - Seafood Paella is probably the most famous and popular Spanish dish around the world. It originates in Valencia, a region on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, between Barcelona and Murcia that is known for its rice dishes. There are as many versions of paella as there are cooks in Spain.
Valencian Paella Recipe - Paella Valenciana
Paella Valenciana is the traditional version of Valencia’s signature rice dish with rabbit, chicken and snails (optional). If you don't like seafood, this original version paella is the one for you!Arroz Cubano - Cuban Rice
(c) 2008 Lisa Sierra Licensed to About.com
Switching gears from the elaborate to the simple, this main course can be prepared in a snap any week night. As with any dish that is popular, every household has their own version. Some cooks prepare the rice with garlic, while others prepare simply white rice. Some may open a can of tomato sauce and sauté it with a bit of olive oil, while other use a sofrito with onions and peppers. So, this is the “Sierra” household’s version of Arroz Cubano.
Rice with Morcilla Sausages – Arroz con Morcilla
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
From the region of Valencia, this dish is a variation of the “Arroz al Horno” or Baked Rice. This version includes both morcilla and butifarra sausage, giving it a rich, and distinctively Spanish flavor.
Chicken and Rice Recipe - Arroz con Pollo
(c) 2007 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com
"Arroz con pollo" or Chicken and Rice is a standard main course in homes across Spain and Latin America. It is popular because it is so tasty! There are many different versions, so this recipe is a basic version to start with.
