Paella is a popular Spanish one-pan rice dish cooked with meat, seafood, vegetables, and aromatics. The rice should have a crispy texture, especially at the bottom.
To form that coveted crispy rice crust, known as socarrat, avoid stirring the rice once you’ve added it to the pan. Stirring too much prevents the rice from browning and crisping.
Additionally, make sure you’re cooking paella over high heat on the stove. You can also start it on the stove and finish it by baking it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
As for what to put in paella, try proteins like chicken, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and more. Saffron is a traditional seasoning that adds a beautiful golden color to the rice.