Spain: Paella
May 20, 2017 - Asia Society Korea launched its international cooking class program last Friday in partnership with Lotte Shopping’s Culture Center and the Embassy of Spain. From a list of eighty applicants, ten people were selected to take part in this first class to learn how to cook paella from Spanish chef Julio J. Martínez Piérola. The Spanish Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Gonzalo Ortiz, also attended the event at the Lotte Culture Center Seoul Branch for an evening of culinary education.
Paella has a long history on the Iberian Peninsula, but the modern take on the dish originated around the city of Valencia, where it is made with rice, meat, green beans, snails, and various seasonings. Chef Piérola shared a unique recipe that was passed down to him from his mother, much to the delight of those in attendance. Participants were also pleased to see Ambassador Ortiz actively involved in the two-hour session as he helped prepare ingredients, serve food, and answer questions about Spain. The first cooking event with our embassy network was a huge success, and there is much anticipation for the upcoming classes scheduled at the Lotte Culture Center.