Perfect Paella: Bring Some Spanish Flavor into Your Workday
Posted by Amelia K. on Friday, November 14th, 2014 with 10 Comments
Paella is a delicious rice, vegetable and meat dish that originated in Valencia, Spain, during the days that the Moorish Kings were in power. According to legend, it’s a dish that melds two different old cultures: the Romans – who made the special pan within which paella is cooked, and the Arabs – who brought flavorful rice to the table. After royal banquets, servants would mix leftovers in large pots to take home, constituting early versions of this now-famous dish. The recipe was eventually refined and spread throughout the entire country, which created a huge explosion of paella dishes that include a variety of meats, veggies, and flavors that we call get to enjoy today!
There are two reasons why paella makes a great lunchtime meal delivery option for you: first, it’s a naturally balanced meal between the rice, meat, and vegetables that are mixed into the dish. A well-balanced lunch means you’ll get the right combination of food groups to feel full and sated, and be better able to sustain your productivity throughout the rest of your day. Second, the flavor is amazing – and since there are so many different options for how this particular meal can be made, you’ll never feel like you’re getting the same humdrum meal two weeks in a row. Intrigued? Let us tempt your tastebuds – here are three of our favorite Spanish paella dishes you could order in for your office meals today!
Traditionally, paella is made with a combination of meat, seafood, rice and veggies and saffron flavors – the perfect melding of cultures!
Photo Source: Flickr user fred_v
Traditional Paella
As it’s been made for centuries, traditional paella includes a few types of seafood, usually shrimp and mussels, in combination with one or two ‘land meats,’ like chicken and spicy sausage. While they’re not flavors you would usually think of mixing, there’s something totally perfect about how these proteins blend with the rice and veggies in this meal. Finely chopped veggies are then added to the dish, usually in the form of red bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and peas. Then some of the beautiful flavors of Spain, saffron and paprika, are mixed into the dish. Because paella is cooked in one big pan, the flavors infuse the entire meal with something unique and totally tasty. We definitely recommend adding this dish to your list of lunch delivery items to try this week!
Grilled Paella
This yummy dish infuses a smoky flavor with some of the traditional flavors of Spain. Shrimp, chicken, clams, and Spanish chorizo bring a yummy combination of meats (and protein, for energy) into the dish. Mixed with traditional Spanish paella rice, chopped tomatoes, and onions, the main ingredients of this lunch meld together perfectly. Seasoned with saffron, a traditional way to take the flavors of a paella dish up a notch, this plate is then topped with a little squeezed lemon – which adds something modern into the mix. When you’re craving barbecue, but are ready to try something different than a burger or chicken sandwich, this is a more refined meal choice to order for office delivery today!
Mushroom Paella
When it comes to eating paella in the winter months, sometimes swapping a few ingredients can do just the trick. In the case of this dish, using mushrooms to compliment the traditional red peppers used in the original version is the perfect way to bring a little heavier taste – and texture – to the meal. Mushrooms are definitely a strong feature; the mixture of flavors from the shiitake and oyster varietals in bulk really pack more mass into your meal. Not only that, but mushrooms are an excellent way to help your body digest food and boost your immune system – taking this dish up a notch to terms of the health benefits it provides. This midday meal also mixes in chicken and shrimp, as well as some Italian parsley and cloves to change up the flavor a bit. It’s one of our favorite takes on a very old favorite dish!
Lunchtime Flavor Swaps
When it comes to changing up the flavor of your favorite lunchtime meals, paella is definitely a tasty treat that you should considering ordering for delivery today. The seaside taste mixed with the flavorful spices of Spain will leave you ready to book a trip to walk the streets of Valencia. You might even be intrigued to make a batch of fresh sangria over the weekend!
When you’re ready to try some of the unique flavors Spanish paella has to offer, Waiter.com is here to help. Our easy to use meal delivery service allows you to order from your favorite restaurants around the city, and have your food delivered straight to your office. Planning a bigger affair? Our corporate catering can make a yummy paella dish your team is sure to love for any big event. Learn more about how we can help you make your next big meeting one to remember!
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
As someone who adores spanish food, I love searching for new recipes or just a new take. I will definitely be trying out some of the dishes mentioned above! Thanks for the recommendations!
Thanks, Matt. Let us know how you like them!
I have never tried spicy sausage with the traditional Paella! That sounds amazing and I will give the recipe a try.
It’s really tasty!
I love Paella but am not sure it is a good lunch food. It is a bit messy and has a stronger smell than I like at work.
We totally understand – we do have some delicious grilled cheese options that you might like, too!
Eating something delicious for lunch is certainly always nice, and if it is healthy, then that’s just an added benefit. With its many varieties, Paella is a perfect combination of health and YUM!
We agree – paella is super tasty!
My wife and I are looking forward to trying Paella for the first time, the great thing about the Spanish food culture is you will always be able to try and find something new.
That’s so true – and it’s really flavorful!