Arroz Ala Valenciana Novels & Stories

They were amazed by the taste and Elizabeth kept eating. “Alfred, this is amazing.” Conrad complimented Alfred. “It’s full of flavor but the taste of the nuttiness stands out.” He added. “What do you call it?” He asked. “Also, this white rice is a perfect pairing to it.” He said. “It’s called Kare-Kare and it’s a Filipino Dish,” Alfred answered. “Wait, are you Filipino?” Elizabeth asked. “Yeah, I am,” Alfred answered. “Can I request something?” Elizabeth asked Alfred.

She doesn’t look convinced, but before she can press further, the oven dings, and Maria hurries over to take out whatever’s inside. “Now we can take the food to the table,” Abuela says, handing me a casserole dish of steaming Paella Valenciana. The scent alone is enough to make my mouth water. She leads the way into the dining room, another dish in her hands. The table is already set, and as we approach, my eyes land on Raffaele. He’s deep in conversation with my father, the two of them laughing over something, and the sight makes my heart warm.

Her nipples were even protruding so hard I could not forget that image. _________________________ Dirty rice* is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made from white rice which gets a “dirty” color from being cooked with small pieces of pork, beef or chicken, green bell pepper, celery, and onion, and spiced with cayenne and black pepper. Parsley and chopped green onions are common garnishes. Fried rice is its equivalent food in the Philippines.

Unlike yesterday, he looked so carefree right now. “I can now smell the food,” I told James as my stomach started to feel the hunger that I have been feeling since we told Sonya our order. And just as I think about it, Sonya started to bring us the food. And everything that she put on our table looks so delicious and savoury! My mouth started to waterfall as I fought the urge of scooping to that savoury looking rice called valenciana. The color of it was orange and it had pork that was mixed. I think that rice alone can actually become a full meal! Why did Sonya not tell me this when I visited here?! I think it can become my new favorite!

Miracle Maria and I were so busy with cooking. I tried cleaning the granite countertop and putting away the containers of spices, while at the same time standing at the stovetop and expertly sautéing shrimp in a skillet while Maria chopped fresh herbs. “This smells good already,” I smiled, adding a dash of paprika and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. We were cooking paella valenciana, a traditional Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice, shrimp, chicken, and veggies.

She even offered him a part of her salad which although unappetising, Anubhav found hard to say no to. Next day, Annette helped him with the cafeteria card and escorted him to the counter where students could redeem the student discount. She also convinced him to try shrimp paella, a Valencian rice delicacy which Anubhav swallowed with the same vigour as the bald teacher sitting on the next table. Annette did most of the talking. She told him about her father who played in the under-nineteen team for Valencia Football Club but had to drop out after an injury. Her English wasn’t very good but Anubhav appreciated her candour.

Lana chuckled. “And it’s like the moon goddess blessed him. When he first met Isabel, she liked everything his mate had, they both shared the same hobbies and Dr Kunle and his mate loved her.” Lana finished before placing the spoon in my hand. “The rice is made from tomatoes, ball pepper and chili pepper. It’s a spicy meal and Raya would be here with a drink. The chicken is still a bit hot so get started with the rice first.” She instructed and I nodded.

I take one bite and I almost moan. “This is so good,” I say, letting the taste fill my mouth. “What is it called?” Julian sits back, looking pleased with himself. “Arroz con pollo. I wanted to make something from home.” “It is perfect,” I say between bites. “But not as perfect as hearing you say it.” Javier brightens up, grinning as he drinks from his glass. “Did I tell you Cruz won a cooking contest one time?” My eyes get big. I look at Julian. “Is that true?”

With that thought, Elijah became a missile that suddenly plunged upward at high speed to find Alessia. ••• Alessia's POV I do not know where we are now. All I know is that Lolo and I are in Valeria. We were inside a large house in a secluded wooded area. "Grandpa, where are we?" I asked him. I am now sitting at the table and there is food prepared there. I don't know who cooked but grandpa said he had a roommate who lived here. Grandfather served the rice. Our dish was tinola made from sea shells. I have eaten like this before but it is too expensive in Manila so we don't often eat like this there.

You can’t assume you know someone just based on how they’ve treated you lately. “This is Arroz a la Banda,” Liam said, showing me how to take a perfect bite of the exotic seafood dish. I tried it the way he showed me and the first taste made a low moan escape my throat. It was that good. The flavors exploded in my mouth: saffron, garlic, and the freshest seafood I’d ever tasted. It was too good to be true. I didn't think Liam had heard me until he chuckled softly and said, “Just wait until you taste dessert.”