Chef Megan McCulloch Makes a MALTed Paella

June 2, 2020

Marin-local chef Megan McCulloch of Fairfax-based Wild Food has prepared memorable meals for MALT’s community of supporters at numerous MALT events over the years. Dedicated to using fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients, Megan sources from a plethora of local and regional farms, including many MALT-protected farms and ranches. Known for her foraged-food pop-up dinners, catered multi-course dinner parties and make-your-own paella classes, hosted at her home in Fairfax, Megan has adapted to shelter-in-place restrictions by offering meal pick-up and delivery in Fairfax, San Anselmo and Ross. While she sadly won’t be hosting paella parties for some time, she has kindly shared her go-to paella recipe with MALT so that you can make your own at home — and support MALT producers in the process!


Paella is a dish that has always transported me. There is something in the thoughtfulness it takes, the layering of each ingredient in careful succession, the patience it takes to watch it cook, slowly, without stirring, the calamity of flavors that always seem to blend perfectly, no matter how much you add, that make this dish something to celebrate. It also has almost as many ingredients as it does renditions. This rendition is a spring-inspired vegetarian paella, with an ode to the produce that is popping now in this hot California spring we are experiencing. It is prepared in a cast iron pan, only to make it more accessible to those who don’t own a paella pan — although you can of course use it if you got it! 

Serves 4

Onions at Little Wing Farm stand, three miles east of Point Reyes Station on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road.

If you have the time to make your own stock, use the scraps from the vegetables needed for the paella.

Molly Myerson of Little Wing Farm, located on MALT-protected Black Mountain Ranch, is currently offering a bounty of freshly-harvested garlic at her farm stand on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road.

Before starting your paella, make sure your vegetables are prepped and prepare your toasted spices:

To start the paella:

Love this recipe? Remember that Megan is offering similar creations through Wild Food’s new pick-up and delivery service, available in Fairfax, San Anselmo and Ross. Place your order today!

More stories like this:

Winter produce on display at the Little Wing Farm Stand - MALT

Women-Owned Farm Stands in Marin County

March 20, 2023

This Women’s History Month, we want to recognize the incredible contributions of women farmers in our community.

Read More

People walking in a large green field.

March Events in (and Near) Marin

February 28, 2023

March in Marin is the perfect time to venture out for a hike, swing by a farmers market, join a trail restoration at a favorite park, visit a local farm, or watch an online nature talk. We’re serving up a healthy platter of March events in Marin, just for you.

Read More

February Fun: Events in Marin

January 30, 2023

Marin’s grasses are greener in February, and it’s a perfect time to venture out for an event — hike, pick up fresh local food at a farmers market, help clean up a favorite park, visit a local dairy, or join an online nature talk.

Read More