Sopa Paraguaya

🧂 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
6. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

• 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.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving