March, 2022
José and the ThinkFoodGroup team are working with the space exploration company Axiom to bring his signature Chicken and Mushroom Paella (Spain’s iconic rice dish) and Secreto de Cerdo with Pisto (a prized cut of Iberico Pork with tomatoes, onions, eggplant, and peppers) to the International Space Station. Their creations will feed Ax-1 crew on their mission which is slated to launch after April 3.
The crew, composed of Commander Michael López-Alegría of the USA/Spain (a friend of José’s!), Pilot Larry Connor of the USA, Mission Specialist Mark Pathy of Canada, and Mission Specialist Eytan Stibbe of Israel, is the first all-private crew mission to man the ISS. This 10-day mission brings us one step closer to space travel being more accessible for all.
To make his signature dishes ready to send up with the astronauts, José and ThinkFoodGroup’s Director of Research and Development Charisse Grey wanted to bridge the gap between meals that are simply nutritious and those that deliver bold, bright flavors. “Food scientists think a lot about calories and nutrition. As a chef, my goal is to meet your palette’s expectations for food,” Charisse says of developing paella for space.
The paella in particular was chosen so that the astronauts could enjoy a family meal, together, while above the clouds. “The way that families, even today, eat paella, is that the pan is in the middle of the table. We believe in sharing,” José says. “We believe we all are part of the same planet.”
He continues, “For me, the astronauts eating this all together, makes me so proud.”
Astronauts will also be able to enjoy Spanish delicacies goods such as jamón ibérico de bellota and ibérico salchicchon from Fermín, Casas De Hualdo Olive Oil, and Albert Adrià’s Marcona almonds.
The collaboration with Axiom is a project that gives José hope and inspiration for the future. “Sending people up beyond the stars can help us to solve some of the problems that we see on earth,” he says. “That’s what I love about this mission!”
While bringing paella to space was no small feat, acquiring Spain’s iconic dish here on Earth is thankfully a lot easier. Check out a few of our favorite ways to enjoy paella below and make sure to tag José when you share your photos!
Explore the delicious diversity of food and drink from all corners of España.
JOSÉ’S ICONIC PAELLA DINNER KIT
Available through GoldBelly, this kit includes to everything you’ll need to replicate chef José Andrés’ iconic Paella de Gamba Roja, made with succulent red shrimp!
JOSÉ ANDRÉS FOODS PAELLA KIT
Give the gift of paella to the foodie in your life with this paella gift box that provides all the essentials to make paella at home, including a 15″ stainless steel paella pan.
Best Paellas In The Galaxy T-Shirt
Show your love for paella with this fun Mercado Little Spain T-shirt.
