This extraordinary paella pan handcrafted by Smithey Ironware of Charleston is a work of art. It could well be on display in a museum because of its lines, perfect execution and design aesthetic. Fortunately for us, it occupies a place of honor in any kitchen fortunate enough to have one. Not only is this pan beautifully made, it performs like a star, a superior start to any paella. 

We all know making paella requires a dedicated cook whose choice of ingredients and patience is tested each time this dish is cooked. When we do a paella we first make a sofrito, or flavor base, of chopped onion, garlic, and tomatoes cooked in olive oil. We do not hurry this step: the longer you cook the sofrito, the darker and more intensely flavored the paella. Once you add the rice and stock (we use a combination of fish and chicken stock), it takes about 25 minutes for the rice to fully absorb the broth, and this is the time to add the fish and other ingredients that don’t require a lot of cooking time. The saffron, which was brought to Spain in the 10th century by the Moors, is important because it imparts paella’s distinctive flavor. There is a traditional rule for adding the meats and fish to the pan: First, you need to cook the animal that walks; then add the animal that flies, and then add the animal that swims.

What paella cooks all agree on is you must let the rice sit, undisturbed, on the pan’s flat bottom until it forms a soccarat, the prized toasty crust. At the end of the party, everyone wants the soccarat but it’s usually saved for the abuelo (grandpa), or oldest person. Our final secret: the paella always tastes better if the chef drinks wine while cooking it. We favor a glass of red, and then, let the paella party begin.

With a Smithey paella pan, half the culinary battle is won—the pan, made from polished carbon steel heats quickly evenly. It is poetry in the hand, well balanced and a true modern heirloom. Quality is never negotiable at Smithey. These are heirlooms in the making, priceless. A piece of Smithey cookware is as beautiful as it is functional. Smithey proudly stands by their products with a lifetime guarantee and free exchanges, a rare ethic in today’s world.

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