{"id":1745,"date":"2026-06-17T16:48:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/?p=1745"},"modified":"2026-06-17T17:45:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T15:45:41","slug":"the-best-rice-for-paella","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/en\/the-best-rice-for-paella\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Rice for Paella: Types, Varieties and How to Cook It Perfectly"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Paella can be amazing… or disappointing.<\/p>

And in most cases, the difference comes down to one thing:<\/p>

The rice.<\/strong><\/p>

You can use the finest seafood, premium saffron and excellent olive oil.<\/p>

But if the rice isn’t right, your paella won’t be either.<\/p>

In this guide you’ll discover:<\/p>

\u2714\ufe0f The best rice varieties for paella
\u2714\ufe0f The differences between Bomba, Delta del Ebro, Calasparra and S\u00e9nia rice
\u2714\ufe0f How to choose the right rice depending on the result you’re looking for
\u2714\ufe0f The secrets to cooking a perfect paella every time<\/p>

\ud83c\udf3e Why Is Rice So Important for Paella?<\/h2>

Rice is not just another ingredient.<\/p>

It’s the foundation of the entire dish.<\/p>

A good paella rice should:<\/p>

\u2714\ufe0f Absorb flavour without becoming mushy
\u2714\ufe0f Stay firm after cooking
\u2714\ufe0f Distribute the broth evenly
\u2714\ufe0f Create the perfect texture and, ideally, a delicious socarrat<\/strong><\/p>

Not all rice varieties behave the same way. That’s why choosing the right one is the first step towards a great paella.<\/p>

\ud83c\udf5a Types of Rice for Paella (and When to Use Them)<\/h2>

\ud83c\udfc6 Bomba Rice (The Safest Choice)<\/h3>

The most famous paella rice… and for good reason.<\/p>

\u2714\ufe0f Absorbs 2.5\u20133 times its volume in liquid
\u2714\ufe0f Firm, separate grains
\u2714\ufe0f Ideal for Valencian paella and seafood paella<\/p>

If you want a rice that is easy to control and highly forgiving, Bomba rice<\/strong> is the safest option.<\/p>

\ud83c\udf0a Delta del Ebro Rice (Gourmet Level)<\/h3>

This is where you take your paella to the next level.<\/p>

Some outstanding varieties include:<\/p>

  • Bomba del Delta<\/li>
  • Gleva<\/li>
  • Marisma<\/li>
  • Organic Rice<\/li>
  • Montsianell<\/li>
  • Bah\u00eda<\/li>
  • Tebre<\/li>
  • Fonsa<\/li><\/ul>

    Grown in the unique ecosystem of the Delta del Ebro, these rice varieties are renowned for:<\/p>

    \u2714\ufe0f Exceptional flavour absorption
    \u2714\ufe0f Outstanding texture
    \u2714\ufe0f Greater personality on the plate<\/p>

    The combination of fresh and salt water creates ideal conditions for premium rice cultivation.<\/p>

    \u26f0\ufe0f Calasparra Rice (For Experienced Cooks)<\/h3>

    \u2714\ufe0f Slow absorption
    \u2714\ufe0f Excellent resistance to long cooking times
    \u2714\ufe0f Ideal for creamy rice dishes<\/p>

    Calasparra rice rewards technique and patience. If you understand cooking times well, it can deliver spectacular results.<\/p>

    \u2696\ufe0f S\u00e9nia, Bah\u00eda and Albufera Rice (Everyday Favourites)<\/h3>

    These varieties are widely used by professional paella cooks.<\/p>

    Advantages:<\/p>

    \u2714\ufe0f More affordable
    \u2714\ufe0f Excellent flavour absorption
    \u2714\ufe0f Traditional Mediterranean character<\/p>

    However, they require greater precision because they can overcook more easily than Bomba rice.<\/p>

    \ud83c\udfaf How to Choose the Right Rice for the Result You Want<\/h2>

    \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f If You Want Separate, Firm Grains<\/h3>

    Choose:<\/p>

    \u2714\ufe0f Bomba Rice<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83c\udf3f If You Want Maximum Flavour<\/h3>

    Choose:<\/p>

    \u2714\ufe0f Delta del Ebro Rice<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83e\udd58 If You Prefer a Creamier Texture<\/h3>

    Choose:<\/p>

    \u2714\ufe0f Marisma Rice<\/strong>
    \u2714\ufe0f Calasparra Rice<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\udcb0 If You’re Looking for Great Value<\/h3>

    Choose:<\/p>

    \u2714\ufe0f S\u00e9nia Rice<\/strong>
    \u2714\ufe0f Bah\u00eda Rice<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83c\udf73 Perfect Paella Recipe (Serves 4)<\/h2>

    \ud83e\uddfe Ingredients<\/h3>
    • 400 g rice (Bomba recommended)<\/li>
    • 1.2 L stock (chicken or fish)<\/li>
    • 200 g chicken<\/li>
    • 150 g rabbit or 400 g seafood<\/li>
    • 100 g green beans<\/li>
    • 1 grated tomato<\/li>
    • 60 ml extra virgin olive oil<\/li>
    • Sweet paprika<\/li>
    • Saffron<\/li>
    • Salt<\/li><\/ul>

      \ud83d\udd25 Step-by-Step Guide<\/h3>

      1\ufe0f\u20e3 Prepare the Sofrito<\/h4>

      This is where all the flavour begins.<\/p>

      Add the olive oil and brown the meat properly.<\/p>

      Don’t rush this stage.<\/p>

      Add the grated tomato and allow it to reduce until concentrated.<\/p>

      2\ufe0f\u20e3 Add the Rice<\/h4>

      Spread the rice evenly across the paella pan.<\/p>

      \u274c Do not stir after this point.<\/p>

      3\ufe0f\u20e3 Add the Stock<\/h4>

      Use hot stock.<\/p>

      Pour it all in at once.<\/p>

      Recommended ratio:<\/p>

      \ud83d\udc49 1 part rice : 2.5\u20133 parts stock<\/strong><\/p>

      4\ufe0f\u20e3 Cook the Rice<\/h4>
      • 10 minutes over high heat<\/li>
      • 6\u20138 minutes over medium heat<\/li><\/ul>

        \u274c Do not stir.<\/p>

        5\ufe0f\u20e3 Create the Socarrat<\/h4>

        During the final minutes:<\/p>

        Increase the heat slightly and listen carefully.<\/p>

        \u2714\ufe0f Gentle crackling = perfect socarrat<\/p>

        \u274c Burnt smell = too much heat<\/p>

        6\ufe0f\u20e3 Let It Rest<\/h4>

        Cover and leave to rest for:<\/p>

        5\u201310 minutes<\/strong><\/p>

        This final step helps the rice settle perfectly.<\/p>

        \u2728 Techniques That Make All the Difference<\/h2>

        \ud83c\udf45 A Proper Sofrito<\/h3>

        The flavour of the entire paella starts here.<\/p>

        \ud83d\udd25 Heat Control<\/h3>

        Too much or too little heat can ruin the texture.<\/p>

        \ud83e\udd44 Don’t Stir<\/h3>

        Once the rice is added:<\/p>

        Leave it alone.<\/p>

        \u23f3 Let It Rest Before Serving<\/h3>

        One of the most overlooked secrets of great paella.<\/p>

        \u26a0\ufe0f Common Paella Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)<\/h2>

        Rice Is Mushy<\/h3>

        Cause:<\/p>

        \u274c Too much liquid
        \u274c Stirring during cooking<\/p>

        Rice Is Undercooked<\/h3>

        Cause:<\/p>

        \u274c Not enough stock
        \u274c Insufficient cooking time<\/p>

        No Socarrat<\/h3>

        Cause:<\/p>

        \u274c Heat too low during the final stage<\/p>

        Burnt Bottom<\/h3>

        Cause:<\/p>

        \u274c Excessive heat<\/p>

        \ud83d\uded2 Where to Buy Quality Rice for Paella<\/h2>

        At LoveGour, we carefully select rice from trusted producers in the Delta del Ebro, including:<\/p>

        • Arroz Bayo<\/li>
        • Arroz Montsi\u00e0<\/li>
        • Illa de Buda<\/li>
        • Mol\u00ed de Rafelet<\/li><\/ul>

          \u2714\ufe0f Local production
          \u2714\ufe0f Full traceability
          \u2714\ufe0f Consistent quality<\/p>

          \ud83d\udc49 Explore our selection of Delta del Ebro rice.<\/p>

          \ud83c\udf77 What to Pair with Paella<\/h2>

          \ud83e\udd90 Seafood Paella<\/h3>

          Pairs perfectly with:<\/p>

          \u2714\ufe0f Albari\u00f1o
          \u2714\ufe0f R\u00edas Baixas wines<\/p>

          \ud83d\udc13 Valencian Paella<\/h3>

          Pairs perfectly with:<\/p>

          \u2714\ufe0f Rioja
          \u2714\ufe0f Garnacha<\/p>

          \ud83e\udd42 Fresh Mediterranean Option<\/h3>

          \u2714\ufe0f Brut Reserva Cava<\/p>

          \u2764\ufe0f The Secret to a Great Paella<\/h2>

          The secret to a great paella isn’t doing more things.<\/p>

          It’s doing the important things well.<\/p>

          \u2714\ufe0f Choose the right rice
          \u2714\ufe0f Control the heat
          \u2714\ufe0f Respect the cooking times
          \u2714\ufe0f Use quality ingredients<\/p>

          Start with excellent rice and you’re already halfway there.<\/p>

          And if you want to take your paella to the next level, discover our carefully selected Delta del Ebro rice<\/strong>, grown in one of Spain’s most unique natural environments and chosen for exceptional flavour and cooking performance. \ud83c\udf3e\ud83c\udf5a<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Paella can be amazing… or disappointing. And in most cases, the difference comes down to one thing: The rice. You can use the finest seafood, premium saffron and excellent olive oil. But if the rice isn’t right, your paella won’t be either. In this guide you’ll discover: \u2714\ufe0f The best rice varieties for paella\u2714\ufe0f The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categoria-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1745"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1764,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1745\/revisions\/1764"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lovegour.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}