Cooking has never been a strength of mine – not because I am bad at it, but because I am messy. Every time I cook it looks like a tornado has hit, so when I travel, instead of cooking things myself and creating a disaster in the kitchen of the hostels and AirBnbs I stay at; I seek out cooking classes, so I can create disasters in other people’s kitchens.
When I was visiting Barcelona, I wanted to get my hands dirty and find a cooking class where I could make one of my favorite Spanish dishes – Paella! I didn’t have to search too far to find the perfect class at a place called Paella Club. A business with the name Paella in it had to be good, so I booked my spot, and that is the story of how I made the best Paella of my life.
I was always under the impression that Paella was difficult to make, and if I wasn’t under the guidance of experienced chefs, I would agree. You need a special Paella pan and the Paella need to be cooked at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time, or it will be overcooked or god forbid undercooked. To make the perfect Paella is an art that not many people master.
This class was one of the best introductions to Spanish cuisine, and it was a lot of fun. This is the absolute best Barcelona cooking class and if you want to learn to make this iconic dish, I highly recommend booking your spot!
Looking for more Spain Travel Guides? Check out these posts!
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Table of Contents
The History of Paella
Paella is a rice dish that’s so popular, it’s practically a national treasure. The name comes from the Latin word for “pan,” which is the big, wide dish that the food is cooked in.
The history of paella dates back to the 18th century, when rice cultivation became widespread in the Valencia region. Rice was a staple food for the locals, and they began to experiment with different ways to prepare it. They threw in some rabbit, snails, and veggies, and cooked it over an open flame. Then, they started adding in all sorts of other ingredients, like chicken, duck, seafood, and beans.
Saffron, a spice that gives the dish its distinctive yellow color and flavor, was also added. By the mid-19th century, paella had become a staple dish of the Valencia region.
Now, back in the day, paella was a big deal at outdoor celebrations and festivals, and men would gather ’round the fire to compete for the title of “best paella maker.” But today, everyone can enjoy this Spanish classic, whether you prefer the traditional Valencian version with chicken, rabbit, and beans, or the seafood version with shrimp, clams, and other seafood.
There’s been some drama over what makes an authentic paella, as different regions and chefs have their own variations of the dish, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the love that goes into it.
Who is the Paella Club
The Paella Club is all about friends, laughter, and cooking amazing food. They have got an Executive Chef who’s worked at Michelin Star restaurants, so you know they know what they are doing.
They guide you into becoming a Paella making ninja by not only showing you how to make the dish, but teaching you about the ingredients and techniques that go into making this iconic dish.
Another reason I love this class is that they are socially responsible when it comes to their food. They are part of the slow food movement, which means they source their ingredients from local suppliers.
They also care about the environment, and make sure to keep things eco-friendly. For instance, The interior of the place is really cool – they have used refurbished items to create a space that’s both traditional and modern.
And if you didn’t already have a reason to visit The Paella Club, they donate their leftovers to food pantries and people in need. And they are always partnering up with local NGOs to host fundraising events, so you aren’t only supporting this business, you are also supporting the local community.
Meet The Teacher, A Brad Pitt Lookalike
Alex Betolaza is the man who put the “paell” in “paella”! This guy is basically the living embodiment of The Paella Club’s origin story.
After working in some of the coolest restaurants across London, LA, and Miami, Alex noticed that people just couldn’t get enough of his Spanish food! Specifically, they were dying to know the secrets of a killer paella. And so, an idea was born…
Alex wanted to create a space that truly celebrated Spanish cuisine and culture, without being a boring old cooking school or fancy restaurant. Instead, he dreamed up an interactive, immersive experience where people could learn, cook, and eat together.
So, he headed back to Barcelona armed with all the ingredients he needed – his worldly experience, his paella obsession, and of course, his love for fresh, local produce. And that’s how The Paella Club was born!
You may be wondering what Brad Pitt has to do with all this, and Alex said people often confuse him with Brad Pitt – the Spanish version, of course. I don’t think any of us saw the resemblance.
What to Expect at the Paella Club
We began our cooking class with a bubbly glass of cava. Then, we got the lowdown on what The Paella Club is all about and what kind of ingredients we’re working with.
We got paired up with a buddy and got assigned our own little cooking station, and we didn’t have to worry about all that pesky prep work, They already chopped and measured everything out for us.
While our tasty creations were simmering away, They passed around other culinary delights that were whipped up for us.
And the best part? After all that hard work, we got to sit down with our fellow paella enthusiasts and enjoy our creations, along with some wine and other tasty treats prepared by expert chefs.
Attending a cooking class at the Paella Club in Barcelona is an exceptional experience that is not to be missed. With expert guidance from their skilled chefs, you’ll discover the secrets of creating the perfect paella. You will leave with a newfound appreciation for Spanish cuisine. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, don’t hesitate to book your class at the Paella Club and immerse yourself in the world of Paella.
Looking for more Spain Travel Guides? Check out these posts!
16 Fantastic Things to Do in Fuerteventura, Spain
Wine Tasting in The Spanish Countryside: A Perfect Day Trip From Barcelona
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