Frupella – The sweet version of paella
When people in Spain say "Andar de paella" (go out for paella), there's usually something to celebrate. Friends and family gather around the large iron pan in the middle of the table, wafting a tempting aroma. Paella is versatile, so it's no surprise that there are also sweet versions with fruit.
Traditionally, everyone eats it straight from the pan. Paella originally comes from the Valencia region. Rice has been grown there since the 12th century and is an essential part of Spanish cuisine. Around 30 percent of Spanish rice production comes from here, primarily from the La Albufera Natural Park and the small town of Sueca, the annual host of the International Paella Championships. It is grown in the Bahía, Senia, and Bomba varieties, and its origin is recognized by the designation "Arroz de Valencia" (Rice from Valencia). Using the right type of rice is essential for a successful paella. One of the best-known brands is "La Fallera." This high-quality short-grain rice also comes from Valencia and is characterized by its perfect ability to absorb liquids and thus all the wonderful aromas that arise when a paella is cooked. To achieve authentic flavors, seasoning with saffron, garlic, salt, sweet paprika, and cloves in the right proportions is important. If you want to make things a little easier, reach for a spice mix. One of the most popular is "El Paellero" by Carmencita.
Since time immemorial, farm workers and day laborers have prepared their rice in a shallow pan over an open fire in the fields at midday. They supplemented it with the simplest ingredients they could afford, such as vegetables or snails. Only on Sundays and holidays was paella enhanced with meat, fish, or seafood. This tradition gave rise to many family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. This later included the sweet version of paella, frupella, with delicious fruit. The German paella capital is Kieselbronn, a small community in the Enzkreis district, north of the city of Pforzheim. The PAELLA WORLD International brand is based there. Company founder and paella enthusiast Martin Burger has been extensively involved with paella since 1990. The following delicious frupella recipe is his.
Recipe for "Frupella" by Martin Burger:
Ingredients (for 4 people):
• 4-5 apples, cut into small pieces
• 250 g almond flakes
• 1 can of pineapple chunks
• 350 g paella rice
• 700 ml water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 100 g brown sugar
• 50 ml olive oil
• Fresh fruit as desired:
e.g. blueberries, strawberries, bananas,
Kiwi, mandarins
• whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
Preparation:
Gently heat olive oil in a pan, add almonds and brown sugar, and caramelize briefly. Add apple and pineapple pieces and mix well with the sugar. Add water, rice, and cinnamon and spread evenly in the pan. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes – do not stir! Turn off the heat or remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Decorate the frupella with fresh fruit and serve with cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Even more paella recipes are available for download in the free "Little Paella Primer" !
