Randy Chandler
Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that typically includes saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. While there are many variations of the dish, the question of whether or not to include cheese is a contentious issue. Some people argue that adding cheese to paella is unacceptable, while others experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, Manchego, or Gouda, to add a creamy texture and enhance the flavor. Ultimately, the decision to include cheese in paella depends on personal preference and the desire for authenticity.
Do you put cheese on paella?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese on paella | Some recipes suggest adding cheese to paella, such as Parmesan, Manchego, Queso de Bola, Canadian Gouda, Havarti, Mozzarella, and Canadian Monterey Jack. |
| Authenticity | While paella is a traditional Spanish dish, there are many variations, and some sources suggest that adding cheese is inauthentic. |
| Personal preference | Ultimately, the decision to add cheese to paella is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the taste of cheese in their paella, while others prefer to follow traditional recipes. |
| Regional variations | The addition of cheese to paella may vary depending on the region where it is made. For example, chorizo is commonly added to paella in Britain but is considered a "big no-no" in Spain. |
| Texture and flavor | Cheese can add a creamy texture and salty flavor to paella, especially when paired with ingredients like rice and chorizo. |
| Preparation methods | When adding cheese to paella, it can be grated and stirred into the dish or shaved into pieces and sprinkled on top. |
| Side dishes | Cheese can also be served as a side dish with paella, such as mashed roasted potatoes with roasted garlic and Parmesan. |
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What You'll Learn
- Paella is a traditional Spanish dish typically made with rice, vegetables, and seafood
- There are many variations of 'authentic' paella recipes
- Some people add cheese to their paella, like Parmesan, manchego, or queso de bola
- One source says that adding cheese to paella is blasphemous
- However, another source says that you can add whatever you want to your paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish typically made with rice, vegetables, and seafood
In terms of whether cheese can be added to paella, there are differing opinions. Some people consider paella to be a flexible dish that allows for personal variations, including the addition of cheese. Suggested cheese options include Parmesan, manchego, queso de bola, Canadian Gouda, Havarti, and mozzarella. These cheeses can be grated or shaved on top of the paella or stirred into the dish to add flavour and a creamy texture.
On the other hand, some purists argue that adding cheese to paella is not traditional and should be avoided. They believe that paella should be made without cheese to maintain the authenticity of the dish. In particular, adding chorizo to paella is considered a "big no-no" by Spanish people, as it is not typical of traditional Spanish rice dishes.
Ultimately, the decision to add cheese to paella is a matter of personal preference. While traditional paella may not include cheese, some people enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, including cheese, to create their own unique versions of the dish.
When serving paella, it is traditionally presented on a round table with the pan in the centre, and it is often eaten directly from the pan rather than on plates. It is typically consumed during lunchtime, especially on Sundays, as it is considered a heavier meal that may be too filling for the evening.
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There are many variations of 'authentic' paella recipes
There are indeed many variations of authentic paella recipes. Paella is a traditional Spanish dish, typically made with rice, vegetables, and seafood. However, the ingredients can vary depending on the type of paella and the region where it is made. For example, some people add chicken, while others may use only seafood. Some of the common vegetables used include onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, and peas. Saffron is also considered a key ingredient, giving the rice its distinctive yellow colour and flavour.
There are some points of contention when it comes to making paella. Firstly, while some people insist that chorizo should not be added to paella, others argue that it adds flavour and texture, especially when chopped finely. Another contentious issue is the addition of cheese. While some people consider it unacceptable to put cheese on paella, others enjoy the creamy texture and flavour that it adds to the dish. Recommended cheeses include Parmesan, Manchego, Queso de Bola, Canadian Gouda, Havarti, and Mozzarella.
Another important aspect of making paella is achieving the 'socorrat' - a layer of rice stuck to the bottom of the pan that gets burnt and crunchy. To achieve this, the rice should be added to the hot stock in a cross shape, and then gently pushed out to the edges of the pan. The paella should not be stirred after adding the rice, and a blast of heat in the final minutes will help create the 'socorrat'.
Paella is traditionally served at lunchtime, preferably on a Sunday, and shared with friends and family. It is often served on a round table with the pan in the centre, and eaten directly from the pan rather than on plates.
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Some people add cheese to their paella, like Parmesan, manchego, or queso de bola
While paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish, some people choose to add cheese to their paella, such as Parmesan, manchego, or queso de bola. There are many different recipes for paella, and some people believe that you can add whatever you like to your dish. However, others believe that adding cheese to paella is a big no-no and that it is not a risotto and should not be treated as one.
Some people grate cheese, such as manchego, over their paella to add more flavor variety and give it a nice silky mouthfeel. Parmesan is another cheese that is commonly added to paella. The saltiness of Parmesan pairs well with the rice and other ingredients in the dish, and it adds a nice flavor and creamy texture.
Queso de bola is also a type of cheese that can be used in paella. This cheese is often used in Spanish-sausage-based paellas, as its smooth and creamy texture complements the bold flavor of chorizo. While some people enjoy adding chorizo to their paella, others believe that it is not authentic and should not be added.
In addition to the cheese, there are a few other ingredients that are commonly added to paella. These include garlic, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, frozen peas, saffron, chicken, and seafood. Paella is typically baked in a large, flat pan and served with a huge plate on the table. It is then sliced and served, and any leftovers in the pan are shared equally.
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One source says that adding cheese to paella is blasphemous
While some recipes for paella include cheese, one source says that adding cheese to paella is blasphemous. This is likely because paella is a traditional Spanish dish, and Spanish food is typically not spicy or reminiscent of Mexican food. As such, adding cheese to paella would be considered inappropriate and may be seen as a disruption of the dish's authenticity.
However, other sources provide recipes for "Cheesy Paella with Grilled Peppers", which include cheese such as Canadian Monterey Jack, Gouda, Havarti, or Mozzarella. These recipes suggest adding the cheese at the end, topping the paella with grilled pepper quarters and cheese strips.
There are also recipes for Chorizo-Cheese Paella, which includes Parmesan, Manchego, or Queso de Bola, and is topped with grated cheese, pimiento, and parsley.
Some people believe that adding cheese to paella is acceptable, as it is a personal preference and one's dish to experiment with. However, others argue that it is not a risotto and should not be treated as such, suggesting that adding cheese would be inappropriate.
Ultimately, the decision to add cheese to paella is subjective, but it is important to be aware of the cultural significance and traditional preparation methods of the dish when making such alterations.
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However, another source says that you can add whatever you want to your paella
While paella is a traditional Spanish dish, with some basic rules that most Spanish people follow, there are many variations. The main ingredients in every paella dish are rice, saffron, chicken, and vegetables. From there, ingredients vary depending on the type of paella or region where it's made. For example, some people add chorizo, which is considered a big no-no by Spanish people.
Some people add cheese to their paella. One recipe includes Canadian Monterey Jack, which gives a satisfying body to the dish, while another suggests Parmesan, Manchego, or Queso de Bola. The saltiness of the cheese pairs well with the rice and other ingredients in the dish, and it adds a nice flavor and creamy texture. Another recipe includes Canadian Gouda, Havarti, or Mozzarella.
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Frequently asked questions
While some people enjoy adding cheese to their paella, it is not considered traditional. If you like cheese, you can add it to your dish, but be aware that some purists may not approve.
Manchego, queso de bola, Parmesan, Canadian Gouda, Havarti, and Mozzarella are all types of cheese that can complement the flavours of paella.
There are various recipes for cheesy paella. One option is to grate or shave the cheese and stir it into the dish to create a silky texture. Alternatively, you can add cheese strips or grated cheese on top of your paella after it's cooked.
Yes, some people add chorizo to their paella, although this is considered a "big no-no" by some Spaniards. Other non-traditional ingredients include chillies, hot sauce, and fried eggs.
