Three Murcian rice recipes to prepare at your La Manga Club property

Murcian rice recipes are among the staple dishes of the region, and their ingredients spring directly from the land and the sea with fresh and vibrant flavors. The dishes are quite simple, but they prove that ingredients are everything when it comes to excellent food. Fortunately, this is one area in which Murcia excels. Today, we’ll give you some easy recipes to try at home so you can bring the essence of Murcia right to your table.

Rice with rabbit and vegetables

The authentic flavor of the Spanish East comes alive in this exquisite recipe, for which we recommend using the famous Calasparra rice. This grain with a great ability to absorb flavors combines with the freshness of Murcian tomatoes, peppers and onions to transform each bite into a celebration of Murcian agriculture, renowned in Europe for its quality and variety.

To prepare this dish, begin by browning pieces of seasoned rabbit in a paella pan with olive oil. Once browned, remove the rabbit and set aside. In the same pan, add more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion, peppers and tomato until tender. Add the rabbit back into the mixture along with the Calasparra rice, stirring to blend the flavors. Pour in enough hot vegetable or beef broth to cover the ingredients, add a sprig of rosemary and a bay leaf, and simmer over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Set the dish to rest for 5 minutes after you remove it from the heat, then let it transport you to the sun-drenched fields of Murcia.

Caldero murciano

This dish is a tribute to the fishing culture of the Mar Menor, complemented by fresh vegetables. The result is a delicacy that celebrates the rich bounty of the Mediterranean.

Brown pieces of your favorite fresh fish in a pot, then add tomatoes, peppers and onions to create a flavorful base. Add hot fish stock to the rice and browned fish in the pot, and cook the rice until it has softened and absorbed all the flavors of sea and land. You’ll find that this dish reflects the sublime privilege of a life on the coast.

Rice pudding

For dessert, a harmonious blend of creamy citrus flavor awaits you. In this simple sweet dish, rice, milk and fresh lemon zest evoke a sunny and welcoming day through the humble comforts of home. This iconic dessert is one of the typical dishes of Murcia, and it’s a journey through the simplicity, authenticity and versatility that characterize the region.

Gently cook the rice in milk with sugar, slowly incorporating the zest of the Murcian lemon, until the rice acquires a smooth texture and the mixture transforms into a creamy delight. Enjoy it as a family and you’ll be asked to repeat the experience.

These simple yet exquisite Murcian recipes encapsulate the very essence of Murcian gastronomy. Each bite is a tribute to the rich flavors of the sea and the land, nourishing the body with the bounty of the region and putting gastronomy at the center of its culture.