Spicy Andalusian Seafood Paella

My first authentic Paella experience was in the Spanish Andalusian city of Seville. I loved how the Paella had a spicy taste from Cayenne pepper which paired perfectly with the sweet & smoky flavors of Pimenton Spanish paprika & wood fire roasted Paquillo peppers. I used authentic Spanish ingredients which I brought back from Spain this past June like the Zaffarania Azafran Saffron from Granada, Nunez di Prado extra virgin olive oil from Cordoba, ‘La Odalisca Pimenton- sweet smoky paprika from Murcia. I wanted to give my Paella an authentic taste which takes me back to beautiful Andalusia everytime I re-create this recipe at home.

Many cultures have rice dishes that have become famous around various different culinary cultures around the world.  Arroz con Pollo from Spain, Biryani from India, Jambalaya from Louisiana, Pilaf or Pulao from the Middle East and Risotto from Italy.

Rice originated in Asia and, along with pasta, was brought to the Mediterranean by the Moors. When the Moors invaded Spain, they brought both products with them. The Moorish casseroles of rice and fish established the custom of eating rice in Spain. By the 15th century, when Spanish Catholics expelled the Muslims from Spain, rice had become a national staple.

I was particularly interested in what the Moors ate and how they influence the culinary history of Spain. The occupation of the Moors of Iberia had a great influence on the culinary development of Spain. Moors were the ones who introduced rice and they also brought with them & grew  figs, citrus fruits, many of the eastern spices like cumin and aniseed. They used Almonds & dried fruits in both savory & sweet dishes. Moors were cultured & sophisticated people who brought new way of life to Spain.

As I walked around the great city of the Moors called Granada and visited Alhambra Palace, I was in awe of what Moors had left behind and how lavishly and peacefully they lived.

Beautiful Andalusian City of Granada which is located on the Foothills of Sierra Nevada Mountains

Alhambra Palace~ A Lavish Moorish Palace~Truly a Marvelous Treasure that Moors have left behind.

Intricate carvings & pillars~ true workmanship of the Moors craftsmen

On a hill overlooking Granada, the Alhambra. A sprawling palace-citadel that comprised royal residential quarters, court complexes flanked by official chambers, a bath, and a mosque.

The construction of this Marvelous structure was begun in the thirteenth century by Ibn al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and was continued by his successors in the fourteenth century.

The romantic imagination of centuries of visitors has been captivated by the special combination of the slender columns, fountains, and  water basins found in those courtyards—the Lion Court in particular; this combination is understood from inscriptions to be a physical realization of descriptions of Paradise in Islamic poetry.

A must see when you are in Granada, Spain. We took  a 3 hour train from Seville to Granada. You will need to book for tickets in advance and need to be there on time for the entrance. We stayed one night at a gorgeous hotel called Alhambra Palace Hotel overlooking the Serene city of Granada.

I feel honored that my Paella recipe was picked for Editor’s Pick on Food52