MULTI LIT: Today, we started our discussion about culture and food. What is one dish from your culture that is a must-have as a representation of your culture? Identify the dish and explain what it is and why it is significant.

For my culture dish I choose paella, which is this huge rice dish from Valencia, Spain. It’s basically made with saffron rice and traditionally cooked outside over an open fire in a massive flat pan called a paellera. It’s a perfect symbol for us because it’s historic and also represents how our culture is all about family and sharing.

Summary: Paella actually started out as just a cheap, basic lunch for farmers who threw in whatever they had like short-grain rice, chicken, rabbit, and veggies. Everything cooks together in one pan until the rice turns bright yellow from the saffron.

Reflection: I chose paella because it’s honestly way more than just a random meal, it’s like a whole Sunday event for families kinda like a cook-out here in America. Everyone just hangs out and catches up for hours while it cooks, and then you usually eat it right out of the pan together. It just makes me feel really connected to my roots.