Authentic Spanish Paella with a gluten-free twist
The paella made by Daniel and Eleisha Ruiz Zambrano is so authentic the pans, the stock recipe, and the paella recipe itself are from Spain.
The couple took over Bella Paella from their good friend and founder in 2022, bringing a renewed fire and passion like their friend had poured into it for years before the struggles of COVID lockdowns.
With their Colombian and Spanish roots and love of food, they went in heart and soul. They reinvigorated the business so Southeast Queenslanders could still enjoy the truly authentic paella recipes that had been tweaked and mastered while passed down over 40 years.
Bella Paella’s delicious recipes include chicken and chorizo, seafood, mixed, and vegan paella’s that customers describe as divine (and the best they’ve ever had!).
Not only are they an authentic taste sensation, Eleisha says their special twist is that they are all gluten-free, and all parts are made 100% from scratch including their signature stock (which they also sell).
“We make all our stock from scratch, so we’ve tailored it to be gluten-free and vegan because it’s the stock that usually contains gluten and animal products,” Eleisha explains.
As well as paella, the business also has a range of authentic Spanish sides and desserts, including Pancitos Con Queso (cheesy Spanish dinner rolls), Torta de Limon (Spanish lemon syrup cake) and more. These and even more speciality paella recipes are generally available for weddings and functions, which is their main focus.
Through REKO, Bella Paella sticks to the original favourites.
“For REKO we do 750ml takeaway container servings of paella,” Eleisha says.
“These serve two average adult size portions. Sometimes people can eat it all themselves, it’s so delicious, but this is not normal, they’d need a big appetite!”
When not cooking up mouth-watering Spanish foods, Dan works as a sewing machine technician while Eleisha works as a naturopath, and good quality, healthy food is a massive passion of theirs.
“I’m a foodie and love amazing food”, she says.
“Dan is Colombian, and he speaks Spanish. Both of us have Spanish roots and we love bringing a piece of the past with us – our ancestry.
“We love how Bella Paella inspires people to actually cook. I love how people feel at the parties we cater and how they feel about our food. I love the engagement and the ways in which we are able to help people.”
They were first introduced to REKO through a family friend and are so glad they found it as they love the community feel.
“We’re like a family. I love that when people come, they are genuine. They’re wanting to support local businesses. I love the whole style of it. People can order food and come and grab it in such an easy manner. They can drive by and pick up the food - I am so glad I’ve found it as a busy young Mum myself!”
Daniel and Eleisha both believe any and all producers should give REKO the opportunity it deserves.
“Although it’s growing there’s so much potential. I can see it only increasing. It’s like a new start up. It’s like a baby that’s just begun to crawl. It has great financial potential. On top of that it’s also a great community to be part of and support.”
Bella Paella can be found at the Samford, North Lakes, Bardon and Dayboro REKO rings.
For events and functions, reach out via their website: www.bellapaella.com.au
“REKO increases the sustainability of food. It gives you that old country town vibe. You get a connection with other growers, producers and makers. We can be such a huge support to each other. It gives me inspiration for new possibilities, things I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.”
