Think Spanish food, and you think paella; it’s just inevitable. This risotto-like, saffron-infused rice mixed with meat, seafood and vegetables is a classic Castellano dish that has to be explored if in Spain. And since I was, I had my fair share of paella. But I waited until my family came to pay for the good stuff (is that so bad?), which is when we headed to Los Galayos, just off Plaza Mayor in the old section of Madrid.
They had an extensive menu, in more than five languages, of traditional Spanish food, but we stuck with the paella. As in most Spanish restaurants, the paella could be ordered for a minimum of two people, which was no problem as our table of eight all ordered it. We wanted it all, so we opted for the mixed version, which came with chicken, prawns, mussels, calamari and a white fish, as well as assorted vegetables like peas and green beans.
Seafood and fish paella
The flavor was spot-on. We squeezed lemon on top to add an acidic touch to the savory dish. The prawns and peas added a sweet flavor, while the saffron gave the lovely, deep yellow hue to the rice. We made sure to scrape from the bottom of the pan, where the flavor was caked onto the pan; eating those crunchy bits are by far the best part.
We also had the more adventurous black rice paella, which is flavored and colored black with squid ink. It really is delicious and has a buttery flavor. If you’re in the mood to try something new, I would give it a try.
Los Galayos delivered exactly what we were hoping for: simple, traditional, delicious paella.
Los Galayos, www.losgalayos.net, C/ Botoneras 5, Madrid, Spain
1 Comment
June 15, 2009 at 9:05 pm
It looks good! I like fish. I have salmon often.