Sopa Paraguaya Uruguaya
A savory cornmeal 'soup' that bakes into a firm, cake-like consistency, enriched with cheese and onions. While originating from Paraguay, it has a distinct and beloved presence in Uruguayan cuisine.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Cornmeal (harina de maíz)
- 500 ml Milk
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 large Eggs
- 200 g Grated cheese (e.g., Port Salut or similar mild Uruguayan cheese)
- 50 g Butter(melted)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté the finely chopped onions in a little butter or oil until translucent. Let cool slightly.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, and pepper until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensure there are no lumps in the cornmeal mixture. - 3
Stir in the sautéed onions and grated cheese into the cornmeal mixture.
💡 Tip: Reserve a little cheese for topping if desired. - 4
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (approx. 20x30 cm or similar).
💡 Tip: The batter will be quite liquid. - 5
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
💡 Tip: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - 6
Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key is the texture: it should be firm enough to cut, not soupy.
- ✓Use a good quality, flavorful cheese that melts well.
- ✓This dish is often served as a side, but can also be a light main course.
🔄 Variations
- Add some finely chopped cooked ham or bacon for extra flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Experiment with different types of cheese.