Vori Vori
A hearty and comforting Paraguayan soup made with small cornmeal dumplings (vori) simmered in a flavorful chicken or beef broth, often with vegetables and shredded meat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 liters Chicken or Beef Broth
- 200 g Shredded Cooked Chicken or Beef
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/2 medium Bell Pepper(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(peeled, seeded, and chopped)
- 1 cup Cornmeal (Harina de Maíz)
- 100 g Cheese(grated, preferably Paraguayan hard cheese or Parmesan)
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Butter or Lard
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat butter or lard over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they break down.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded meat and season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure broth is well-seasoned before adding dumplings. - 4
In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, grated cheese, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to form a thick dough. If too dry, add a tablespoon of broth or water.
- 5
Using wet hands, roll small portions of the dough into tiny balls (about 1 cm in diameter). These are the 'vori'.
💡 Tip: Keep hands slightly wet to prevent sticking. - 6
Carefully drop the 'vori' into the simmering broth, one by one. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 7
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of broth, meat, and dumplings. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
💡 Tip: Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use homemade broth.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cheese in the dumplings to your preference.
- ✓The 'vori' should be small and tender; avoid making them too large.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots or peas to the broth.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the broth.
- Some recipes include a beaten egg mixed into the broth just before serving for added richness.