In Review: Paella, The Original One Pan Dish

Do you remember when you tried your very first burger? How about that first slice of pizza? It’s likely you don’t, but, as Omar Allibhoy asserts in the opening to this book, it highly unlikely you’ll ever forget the first time you tasted the world’s most famous Spanish dish. For Omar, paella is that perfect one pan wonder that is so bound up with, and intrinsically linked to, both fond memories and a true sense of social occasion.

Born in Madrid, Omar Allibhoy began his culinary career training under the stewardship of legendary Spanish chef Ferran Adrià, before moving to London to study under Gordon Ramsay; the latter affectionately dubbing him the ‘Antonio Banderas of cooking’. Since opening his first restaurant in 2010, Omar has been on a mission to showcase just how simple cooking Spanish cuisine at home can be, making multiple television appearances on programmes such as the BBC’s ‘Saturday Kitchen Live’.

In ‘Paella: The Original One Pan Dish’ Omar Allibhoy guides you through the basic cooking techniques and equipment whilst providing a helpful introduction to each of the essential ingredients. Offering both insider tips and expert knowledge along the way, you’ll learn the difference between japonica and indica rice, why Spanish extra virgin olive oil is preferred over its Italian equivalent, and why sweet, smoked paprika from Extremadura produces the best result. You’ll learn how to master your tripod gas burner, the benefits of an enamelled coated pan, and how this equipment can be used to make other dishes such as pizza, pasta sauces, and even an enormous apple Tatin.

With 50 recipes that range from classic chicken and rabbit, to black seafood paella with squid and tiger prawns, through oxtail paella, to vegetarian and vegan options, including a wild mushroom and Jerusalem artichoke paella. Omar’s infectious and refreshingly rebellious nature may cause controversy with paella purists, but his playful departures from traditional flavour combinations are what make this book such a joy.

Charming, easy to follow, and illustrated with beautifully photography, ‘Paella’ is a pleasure to cook from and is sure to prove an essential addition to just about any kitchen shelf.