Sopa Paraguaya
A delicious and savory Paraguayan corn bread, often served as a side dish, despite its name suggesting soup. It's dense, flavorful, and perfect with grilled meats.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Cornmeal(Fine or medium grind cornmeal (harina de maíz), not instant polenta.)
- 4 Eggs(Large)
- 2 Onions(Medium, finely chopped)
- 200 g Cheese(Grated hard cheese like Parmesan, or a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for a milder flavor.)
- 200 ml Milk(Whole milk recommended)
- 100 g Butter(Unsalted, melted)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan or a similar sized oven-safe dish.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Do not let them brown too much. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Add the whisked eggs, milk, remaining melted butter, and grated cheese to the dry ingredients. Stir in the sautéed onions.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick and somewhat lumpy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crisp.
⏱️ 40-45 minutes - 7
Let the Sopa Paraguaya cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles and serving. This allows it to set properly.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Despite its name, Sopa Paraguaya is a firm, savory corn bread, not a soup.
- ✓It has a dense, moist crumb and a slightly crisp exterior.
- ✓Traditionally served as a side dish, especially with 'asado' (barbecue) or grilled meats.
- ✓Ensure your cornmeal is not instant; a medium grind works best for texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add more cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers (red or green) or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or chorizo for added richness.
- Use different types of cheese, like cheddar or a spicy Monterey Jack.