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Alicante (Spain)
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Main course
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
650kcal
35gProtein
50gCarbs
25gFat
2gFibre
400 gServing
* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.
Allergens
🌾 Gluten
🐟 Fish
🦐 Shellfish
Rice Alicante Style
How to order / say it
Say it
Arroz a banda — [ah-ROHS ah BAHN-dah]
Order
I'd like the arroz a banda, please.
Locally
Quisiera el arroz a banda, por favor.
Say locally
A traditional rice dish with seafood from the Alicante region.
Why try it?
It embodies Alicante's rich maritime tradition, celebrating the local seafood bounty. Eating it brings a taste of coastal life and historical seafaring tradition.
How it tastes
Rich, savory, with subtle hints of the sea. The saffron and seafood broth lend a unique flavor that is both comforting and elegant.
Origin & History — first documented: 1880
Originating in the late 19th century, this dish was created by local fishermen who would cook rice in the leftover fish broth. Over time, it became a staple in Alicante homes and restaurants.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌾 200 g rice
- 🐟 700 ml fish broth
- 🧂 1 g saffron
- 🫒 50 ml olive oil
- 🦐 200 g squid
- 🦐 150 g prawns
Method
- 1 Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the squid and prawns.
- 2 Add rice and saffron, stirring until the rice is coated.
- 3 Pour in the fish broth and simmer until the rice is cooked.
- 4 Serve hot, preferably with aioli.
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