Paella is a Spanish rice based dish that is also the name of the pan it is cooked in. The precious spice saffron is used to give it is unique flavor and yellow color. The ingredients vary from recipe to recipe, but all paellas have rice, saffron, olive oil, and then usually meat, seafood and/or vegetables. Using the correct ingredients is essential to pulling off paella. Short to medium grain Spanish rice should be used. Using a paella pan, which is a wide, shallow pan with two handles and sloping sides, will let the liquid evaporate while the rice cooks.