Authentic Spanish Paella in Minneapolis

Paella is more than a recipe — it's a tradition. Born in the rice fields of Valencia, Spain, paella has always been a communal dish, cooked outdoors over an open flame and shared among family and friends. It's dramatic, generous, and deeply satisfying in a way that few dishes can match.

In Chef Laura's paella class, you'll learn the art behind this iconic dish. You'll build layers of flavor with saffron, smoked paprika, and a rich sofrito base. You'll learn when and how to add the rice, the seafood, and the vegetables — and most importantly, you'll master the socarrat: that golden, caramelized crust of rice on the bottom of the pan that separates good paella from unforgettable paella.

Chef Laura has traveled extensively through Spain, studying regional cooking traditions and bringing those flavors back to her Minneapolis kitchen. Her paella class is one of her most popular — and once you taste the result, you'll understand why.

If you're looking for one dish to impress a group, paella is it. It feeds a crowd, it's visually stunning, and the entire cooking process is part of the show. Once you've learned the technique, you'll find yourself making it for every summer gathering, holiday dinner, and special occasion.

Chef Laura's paella class is held in her Minneapolis kitchen studio with small groups of 6–8. All ingredients are provided — including quality saffron, fresh seafood, and imported Spanish rice. You cook, you learn, and at the end of the evening, everyone gathers around the pan and eats together.