RecipesParaguayVori Vori

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.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Vori Vori - Paraguay traditional dish

🧂 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. 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. 2

    Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they break down.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  3. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

  • 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.

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