Apart from the obvious, what's the difference between risotto and paella...?!
Yes I know - Spanish and Italian - but is there supposed to be difference in texture, spices etc!?
I (kind of!) followed a paella recipe and whilst it has chilli in it, the texture reminded me of risotto!
So, whats the difference!?
Thanks!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I (kind of!) followed a paella recipe and whilst it has chilli in it, the texture reminded me of risotto!
So, whats the difference!?
Thanks!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
I live in Valencia - the home of paella and they don't use basmati rice or a long grain rice! They use a short grain rice, different varieties, but Senia and Bomba are common!. It is a type of rice grown in Valencia!. It is similar to Arborio or Carnaroli rice which is used in risotto - I actually use paella rice to make risotto too!. The difference is that risotto is stirred constantly, whereas paella is stirred only a little!. The stirring of risotto makes the rice release starch, so risotto is thick and creamy!. Stir your paella less once you put the rice in and it won't be so risotto like!. Paella rice when cooked should be slightly separate but still a bit stuck together, it's hard to explain but it is very different to risotto!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Paelle uses fragrant yet spicy flavours such as paprika and tomato in the mix along with king prawns, mussels and squid!.
The rice to use is Basmati as it is long and thin which makes paella more enjoyable and doesn't give too much stodge along with all the seafood!.
Risotto, on the other hand, uses Arborio rice which is short and fat and, when cooked, lets out a lot of liquid and starch which makes the risotto sticky and creamy!. The Italians use lighter flavours in risotto such as mushroom and cream or salmon or even chicken!. Due to the fact that there are less chunks with the flavours (where paella has prawns and seafood, risotto has little flecks of mushroom or chicken in it), there is more room for the creamy textures and flavours and the rice is filling too!.
Try risotto with chopped smoked salmon and a swirl of cream cheese in it!. Probably has to be the best I have ever had!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
The rice to use is Basmati as it is long and thin which makes paella more enjoyable and doesn't give too much stodge along with all the seafood!.
Risotto, on the other hand, uses Arborio rice which is short and fat and, when cooked, lets out a lot of liquid and starch which makes the risotto sticky and creamy!. The Italians use lighter flavours in risotto such as mushroom and cream or salmon or even chicken!. Due to the fact that there are less chunks with the flavours (where paella has prawns and seafood, risotto has little flecks of mushroom or chicken in it), there is more room for the creamy textures and flavours and the rice is filling too!.
Try risotto with chopped smoked salmon and a swirl of cream cheese in it!. Probably has to be the best I have ever had!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Risotto uses arboreo rice, which has a high starch content and gives the moist end result to the dish!.
Paella uses callasparra or bomba rice!. The end result should still be moist, but not as 'sloppy' as a risotto!. Traditionally, the bottom is deliberately burnt (it's called the soccarrat and is considered a delicacy)!. Paella also traditionally uses saffron!.
With both, the rice and stock is a "carrier" for all sorts of other ingredients!. I've even seen a risotto recipe using minced beef!. Paellas can contain other things than seafood!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Paella uses callasparra or bomba rice!. The end result should still be moist, but not as 'sloppy' as a risotto!. Traditionally, the bottom is deliberately burnt (it's called the soccarrat and is considered a delicacy)!. Paella also traditionally uses saffron!.
With both, the rice and stock is a "carrier" for all sorts of other ingredients!. I've even seen a risotto recipe using minced beef!. Paellas can contain other things than seafood!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
plus paella uses saffron(the most expensive spice in the world) to give it the yellow color and disitnctive flavor!.!.!.where as risotto is a peasant meal and uses the least expensive spices and ingredients and yet is still delicious!!!!Www@FoodAQ@Com
if the texture reminded you of risotto, you overcooked your rice!. Paella should have medium cooked rice, Risotto is a special rice that is meant to taste a bit mushy!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Paella is more fish based and has a dryer texture!. Risotto is creamier and slightly wet in texture!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Not agreat deal to be honest!. You're aiming for a similar texture with the two!. Paella should be slightly less wet and stodgy which is why you use normal rice!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
the rice they use!.!.!.!.!. risotto rice for risotto!.!. paella rice is just ordinary rice!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
different types of rice is used making texture different!. also pealla is more of a seafood dishWww@FoodAQ@Com
Main difference: risotto is creamier than paella, and requires much stirringWww@FoodAQ@Com
cookingclub!.com will help you understand the differences more fullyWww@FoodAQ@Com