Garcima La Ideal is a Spanish brand that specializes in manufacturing and distributing high-quality paella pans, gas burners, and other traditional Spanish cooking equipment. Their products are popular not only in Spain but also in other parts of the world, especially in the United States.
Garcima La Ideal was founded in Valencia, Spain, in 1940 by Luis Garay.
The company started as a small workshop that made kitchenware and household items.
In the 1960s, the company began to specialize in making paella pans and other traditional Spanish cooking equipment.
Over time, Garcima La Ideal became one of the leading manufacturers of paella pans and burners in Spain and expanded its product line to include other types of cookware.
Today, the company is still family-owned and operated and continues to produce high-quality products that embody the traditions and essence of Spanish cuisine.
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Garcima La Ideal produces a wide range of paella pans in different sizes and materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and enamel-coated steel.
The brand also produces gas burners specifically designed for cooking paella dishes. These efficient burners are available in different sizes to match the different paella pan sizes.
Garcima La Ideal also offers a range of enamelled pans (cocottes), which are suitable for cooking stews and casseroles.
As a general rule of thumb, a 30cm paella pan can feed up to 4 people, a 36cm pan can feed up to 6 people, and a 42cm pan can feed up to 10 people. However, the size of the pan also depends on the recipe and the desired thickness of the dish.
Garcima La Ideal paella pans are not suitable for induction cooktops, as they are made of carbon steel, which is not magnetic. However, the brand offers stainless steel paella pans that are suitable for induction cooktops.
Before using your paella pan for the first time, wash it with hot, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Then, heat the pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of oil. Once the oil begins to smoke, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Discard the oil, and your pan is ready to use. After each use, wash your paella pan with hot, soapy water, dry it, and store it in a dry place.
For best results, use short-grain rice, such as Bomba or Calasparra rice. These varieties can absorb more liquid without becoming mushy, resulting in a perfectly cooked paella dish.
Yes, Garcima La Ideal paella pans are oven-safe, up to a maximum temperature of 350°F (180°C). However, if your pan has a wooden handle, you will need to remove it or cover it with aluminum foil to protect it from the heat.