Sauté Aromatics: In a large, shallow paella pan or a wide, large skillet (a Dutch oven or large cast iron pan works well), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

Here, he makes a KitKat paella. Paonessa, shown here with an horchata paella, moved to Murcia, in southeast Spain, two years ago and hopes to make it his permanent home.

Rice plays a crucial role in the culture and cuisine of Spain's Valencia region, the birthplace of paella. Find out more about the dish's history and where to sample it.

pans of paella - the national rice dish of Spain - has a hearty appetite for life. "I pack a lot into a day," says the 41-year-old chef, who sports a curly gray mane and a goatee.

*Refers to the latest 2 years of stltoday.com stories. Cancel anytime. Paella is one of the original one-pot meals. Hailing from Spain, it takes its name (pronounced "pie-AY-yuh") from the ...

DANIELLE KURTZLEBEN, HOST: The Spanish city of Valencia is swelling with paella pride. Its government has given the region's iconic dish of rice, meat and vegetables protected cultural status.