Rice is a staple ingredient to have in the kitchen. It is incorporated into nearly every culture’s cuisine due to its versatile nature. The Mediterranean diet even includes rice as a base for many dishes as it is filling and versatile. So, it’s no wonder that it has a deep history within Spain.
Deliart Calasparra Rice
We here at Deliart are proud to announce that we have our own product of Calasparra rice. We want to share with you the delicious meals that we love! The above-mentioned recipes are truly mouthwatering, and we highly recommend giving them a try. We wanted to provide a vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipe to get you started on incorporating calasparra rice into your cooking.
Calasparra rice is superb for amazing paella. The DO Calasparra rice is a white, short grain rice famous for its high quality and absorbancy. It is used especially for cooking paella as it does not burst easily. This is highly appreciated by chefs and paella lovers everywhere. Now you too can cook delicious paella for friends and family for special events!
How did rice come to Spain?
The introduction of rice in Spain has a very curious history. To begin, one must travel back in time to the year 711 during the Muslim invasion of the Spanish peninsula. The Arabs invaded and conquered territory in Spain, while also spreading their culinary customs that are now integrated into the current gastronomy. The most notable crop being rice.
The southern regions of Spain provided the perfect conditions to grow rice due to its proximity to mountains and rivers that provide plenty of irrigation to the crop. Rice cultivation began to spread across the peninsula, but the land of Calasparra in Murcia became the ideal location since it is located near multiple rivers. This particular rice thrives in mountainous areas with an elevation of 350-500 meters above sea level, which is provided in the Calasparra area of Murcia. As well as a natural irrigation system provided by the many rivers. A curious fact about Calasparra rice production is that it involves terraces that allow the constant renewal of water.
What are the properties of Calasparra rice?
Calasparra rice has gained the Designation of Origin (DO) in 1986 due to the hard work of the farmers, its traditional quality, ecological environment, and distinct cultivation methods. This means that consumers are guaranteed authentic and high-quality rice. Calasparra rice has a unique ecological environment and cultivation system that takes place in the mountains. The production is limited to 2.5-3.5 million kilos in order to protect the landscape. This gives it more prestige and differentiates Calasparra rice from other types of rice.
Multiple dietary studies conducted in Murcia, Spain have concluded that Calasparra rice has a high content in potassium and magnesium. It also has a moderate content in iron and zinc. This type of rice is highlighted for its importance in the diet of many people around the world and within Spain. For example, in Spain many people prefer to use Calasparra rice in their paella recipes due to its ability to absorb many flavors as well as its multiple health benefits.
What are the health benefits?
Calasparra rice offers a multitude of health benefits for the body. Firstly, it is a great source of energy because it is formed with long chains of carbohydrates that take time to break down, which helps fuel the body for long periods of time. Secondly, the white rice is high in minerals like calcium and iron, as well as vitamins, such as niacin, vitamin D, thiamine, and riboflavin. This also contains low quantities of saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart healthy food option.
Rice also contains antioxidant properties that can minimize heart disease and stroke. Next, rice can induce weight loss because it is considered a low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet. Rice also contains low amounts of sodium which is helpful in controlling high blood pressure. Rice is a source of fiber that helps the growth of beneficial bacteria to improve digestion and regulate bowel movements. Lastly, Calasparra rice is gluten free.
Recipes
Rice is a very common ingredient in many delicious Spanish dishes, as for example, in the paella. But also we have selected a few that you can use with Calasparra rice.
Rice and Free-Range Chicken
To make this dish you will need:
- 400 grams of calasparra rice
- 1 free-range chicken
- Extra virgin olive oil (we recommend using Aceites Delgado)
- 1 medium tomato
- Water
- 1 roasted bell pepper
- Salt
- Parsley
- Saffron
Preparation:
- Clean and fry pieces of chicken. Then put it to cook until the meat is tender.
- In a pan, fry the chopped tomato and then the rice.
- Then add the chicken, using the cooking broth to complete the 3 parts of water for one-part rice.
- Next, add the salt, parsley, and the saffron. A few minutes before putting it aside, add the roasted bell pepper strips. Let it boil for 20 minutes on low heat.
Rice and Beans
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- 400 grams of calasparra rice
- 200 grams of white beans
- 1 bunch of tender garlic
- 2 dried red peppers
- 1 tomato
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Water
- Salt
- Parsley
- Saffron
- Paprika (we recommend using La Dalia)
Preparation:
- Put the oil in a frying pan, fry the bell peppers and garlic. Set aside once finished.
- Then fry in a pot the tomato, add the rice, and the paprika to fry too.
- Next, add the peppers and the fried garlic, parsley, salt, saffron, and 3 parts water for one part of rice.
- Finally, add the white beans when it starts to boil and cook for 20 minutes.
We hope you enjoy cooking with our Calasparra rice and make wonderful memories with loved ones.
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