Paella

I had paella in Ibiza back in the 60's and didn't like it at all and I've never bothered with it since. I do love risotto though. I always make mine fairly dry because that it how they eat it in the area we go to in Italy. I know in some regions they like it Al' Onda which means like a wave - in other words sloppy but I prefer the drier version.

Badly made paella or risotto is a troublesome and unlovely thing.

I love the Vesta paella in the box but I can't seem to get hold of it any more. It must be too naff even for Home Bargains now

I don't really "get" tapas either, teetime.

Yes I like Paella and we often have it instead of the Sunday roast. I am the only living person who cannot stand Tapas though.

I love paella too. I've had it in Spain and in UK at Spanish restaurants, I make my own version too. I have never seen it white!!! It's usually yellow. Mine is almost orange, but I probably overdo the saffron.
I make a lovely mushroom risotto too, from the Hairy Bikers Mums know best book.

I love paella providing it's not got mussels in it (I am disasterously allergic to them )

I'm not keen on risotto, not sure why.

I had paella in Spain for the first time 2 years ago - I thought that I was in for an authentic treat and' eating it in the country it was grown in--
Shirley Valentine type thing !
It was horrible , just a huge pan of white rice with empty shells in it and an occasional fishy bites ,my own ricey attempts are better !

Different parts of Spain have their own local recipes for paella and by no means all include fish and/or seafood. That is a Valencian speciality.

Risotto should never be soggy or wet. I spent three weeks in Italy where I learned to make risotto. Many of my attempts were greeted with "absent, isa nota risotto" as the soggy mess was tipped in the bin. The art of making a proper risotto is to judge entirely by the feel of the rice as the hot stock is gradually stirred in so that you know exactly when to stop adding it.

I love both paella and risotto which should always be made with specific but different kinds of rice.

I do like paella but I do struggle with too much shelled sea food and calamari, the last one I had abroad had loads of mussels and calamari and I didn't enjoy it so much .

When I was au pairing in Spain, Paella was a treat, to be celebrated and only eaten on special occasions. It involved the cook going to the market really early to get the ingredients and all sorts of witchcraft with dead chickens.

Actually, I love anything fishy, so I shouldn't really be posting here. A nice creamy risotto is a dish I do at least once a week - I can put it on in the morning while I get dressed and leave it for DH to eat for lunch. I've never thought of it as "wet".

Hmm, think I've just contradicted myself there... If it's not been sloppy in Italy, then that can't be 'how it's supposed to be'

I love paella. I also love risotto, but only if I cook it because yes, it is usually too wet in restaurants. That must be how it's supposed to be but I don't like it sloppy like that. I follow a 'proper' risotto recipe, and spend a long time adding liquid slowly, cooking till absorbed, adding more liquid, etc. etc. I just don't use quite as much liquid as the recipe says. It's usually wonderful and enjoyed by all.
Whenever we've eaten Risotto in Italy it's not been sloppy at all, so I don't know why it so often is in the UK.

I love paella, risotto and curry, with rice, chapatti or naan breads. I am puzzled by the idea that a food where every mouthful tastes the same makes it unpleasant. Doesn't that apply to most foods?

I'm the other way round. Love risotto because it's wet and comfort food but don't like paella. I like a curry though. I'm trying to think if I've got a favourite dish but struggling to come up with anything. Now if you asked my husband he'd shout loudly " day old stew' he's easily pleased.

Have you tried it with meat instead of fish? I'm not a huge rabbit fan and I don't like fish but I was surprised I enjoyed a rabbit paella.

I can understand if it's just too 'samey' for you.

I am like glassortwo for the same reasons.

The last time we went to Spain (we can't travel now) I bought her some expensive saffron which she was delighted with, but it didn't change the odd taste.

Just has an odd taste and every mouth full tastes like the mouth full before. Does that make sense?

Don't like 'fishy bits'?!

What didn't you like about it? ( sorry just being nosey ).

I love paella but hate risotto, its too wet.