Oliver’s ‘chorizo-paella’ panned by Spanish critics

JAMIE OLIVER has fought the British school establishment, and made millions flogging simple recipes, fancy frying pans and a cheeky smile. But the Naked Chef may have bitten off more than he can chew with a controversial take on paella, one of Spain’s fiercely defended national dishes.

Taking to his Twitter account Oliver, an MBE, Sainsburies front-man, and nefarious enemy of vegetarians from Pembrokeshire to Aberdeen, displayed a photo of his new creation – chorizo infused paella. 

“Good Spanish food doesn’t get much better than paella. My version combines chicken thighs & chorizo” he wrote, before the inevitable mockery began.

Outraged Spanish internet maestros compared his ‘work’ to a botched restoration of a famous fresco of Christ, while others suggested their own takes on classic dishes, including aubergine fish and chips, and croissants with gravy. 

What constitutes paella is a sensitive topic even in Spain. Valencians, where the dish is from, consider the inclusion of any form of meat other than fish a heresy, nevermind a spicy, smoked, paprika sausage.