Authentic Taste for Beginners, Made Easy and Sure

Making this Spanish canned food, Querida Carmen, is incredibly simple. Bring the soup to a boil in a frying pan or shallow pot, then add the rice. Just simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The only skill required from the cook is adjusting the cooking time to achieve the perfect al dente texture.



Despite the extreme simplicity of preparation, it’s hard to tell the difference in taste from dishes served in restaurants. You can taste the rich broth, and the ingredients are plentiful and substantial. For example, the “Paella de Marisco” (Seafood Paella) features not only squid but also generously sized portions of sausage and pork ribs.



Launched in 2010 by BCN GOULMET SL, a premium food manufacturer in Barcelona, it quickly spread throughout Spain. High-end food distributors like FAUCHON began stocking it, and now it’s rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. The recipes were overseen by Josep Maria Castano, the chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant “Malena” in Lleida, demonstrating a commitment to quality that sets it apart from conventional canned foods.




The lineup includes six varieties: “Paella de Marisco” with a rich seafood broth, “Arroz Negro” a Spanish-style squid ink rice, “Paella de Pasta” a shrimp-filled version using pasta instead of rice, “Risotto de Setas” mushroom risotto with chicken and mushrooms, “Bouillabaisse Soup” with fish, shrimp, and crab, and “Arroz de Almejas” a Spanish-style clam rice. Each serving provides enough rice or pasta for two to three people, which is another welcome feature.




All you need is a stovetop and a pot, making it perfect for outdoor cooking, especially as the season changes. Don’t forget a well-chilled white or sparkling wine to accompany it.




Retailers
BALS TOKYO GINZA Tel.03-5524-1218
BALS TOKYO ROPPONNGI by AGITO Tel.03-5770-4411
BALS NAKAMEGURO Tel.03-5773-5500
AOYAMA Francfranc Tel.03-5413-2511



QUERIDA CARMEN
Tel.03-5761-2460
http://queridacarmen.jp/