What is paella and how to make it
Assistant Copywriter
Florence Head
What is paella?
Paella is one of Spain's most famous dishes, originating from the Valencia region on the country's east coast. At its heart, it's a rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan, allowing the rice to cook evenly while absorbing all the flavours of the ingredients around it.
Traditionally, paella is made by gently cooking rice with stock, saffron and a variety of ingredients such as seafood, chicken, vegetables or cured meats. The wide pan helps create a golden crust on the bottom of the rice, known as socarrat, which is considered one of the tastiest parts of the dish. Designed for sharing, paella is perfect for bringing people together around the table.
Types of paella
Like many traditional recipes, paella varies from region to region and family to family. While the method remains similar, the ingredients can change depending on local produce and preferences.
Valencian paella – the original style from Valencia, traditionally made with meat and vegetables.
Seafood paella – packed with fish and shellfish, and especially popular in Spain's coastal regions.
Mixed paella – combines both meat and seafood for the best of both worlds.
Black paella – coloured with squid ink, giving the rice its distinctive dark colour and rich flavour.
Vegetable paella – a plant-based version showcasing seasonal vegetables and vibrant flavours.
How to make paella at home
Start by gently cooking your chosen ingredients, then add the rice and stock, allowing everything to cook together until the rice is tender and infused with flavour.
The style of paella you choose will shape the ingredients you use, whether that's seafood, meat, a combination of both, vegetables or even squid ink. While each version has its own character, they all share the same principles: quality ingredients, flavour-packed stock and rice that's cooked until perfectly tender.
What is paella made of?
While every paella is a little different, most versions start with a few key ingredients. Paella Rice is the foundation, prized for its ability to absorb flavour while keeping its shape. Saffron gives the dish its signature golden colour and subtle aroma, while stock, garlic, onion and paprika help build layers of flavour as the rice cooks.
The good news? Everything you need to make paella at home can be picked up at M&S, from rice and cupboard essentials to fresh seafood, meat and vegetables. Whether you're cooking a traditional seafood feast or putting your own spin on the classic, you'll find all the ingredients needed to create a delicious homemade paella.
Published 14/08/2026
