Are you ready to explore the delicious and unique flavors of Paraguay? Located in the heart of South America, this small country may be tiny, but its cuisine packs a big punch. From hearty stews to crispy pastries, Paraguayan food is all about bold flavors, vibrant colors, and warm hospitality.
To get started on your culinary journey, we’ve gathered 18 authentic Paraguay recipes that showcase the best of the country’s gastronomic traditions. From classic comfort foods like Sopa Paraguaya and Puchero to sweet treats like Pastel Mandi’o and Empanada Paraguaya, every dish is a love letter to the rich cultural heritage of Paraguay.
In this article, we’ll take you on a mouth-watering tour of Paraguay’s most beloved recipes, each one carefully selected to transport your taste buds to the rolling hills and bustling streets of Asunción. So sit back, grab a fork, and get ready to fall in love with the flavors of Paraguay!
Sopa Paraguaya
Sopa Paraguaya is a traditional Paraguayan soup that combines the warmth of corn, beans, and squash with the comfort of bread. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried corn kernels
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled and cubed
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 slices of Paraguayan bread (or similar)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, combine corn kernels, black beans, butternut squash, onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Meanwhile, fry the bread slices in a little oil until crispy.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with fried bread and any desired additional toppings (e.g., chopped cilantro, sour cream).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chipa Guasu
A traditional Bolivian dish from the Andean region, Chipa Guasu is a sweet and crispy cornmeal pastry filled with cheese and chilies. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious treat at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of cornmeal
– 1/2 cup of grated cheese (such as queso fresco or mozzarella)
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup of chopped red chilies
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, grated cheese, chopped cilantro, and chopped red chilies.
2. Add the salt and baking powder to the mixture and stir well.
3. Gradually add water to the mixture until it forms a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Flatten each ball into a disk shape and fry in hot oil (about 1/2 inch deep) for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and drain excess grease.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Mbeyú
Mbyéu is a popular West African dish made with peanuts, vegetables, and spices. This recipe provides a flavorful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried peanuts
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 small tomato, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Rinse the peanuts and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the peanuts and blend them with 1 cup of water until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the peanut puree to the pan and stir well. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve hot over rice or with a side of your choice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chipa
Chipa is a popular Brazilian snack made from cassava flour and cornmeal, often enjoyed during Carnaval celebrations. This simple recipe yields crispy on the outside, soft on the inside chipas that are perfect for munching.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cassava flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cassava flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough, kneading until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small portions (about 1 tablespoon each).
4. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Fry the chipas in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pastel Mandi’o
This traditional Brazilian dessert is a must-try! Pastel Mandi’ó is a crispy, sweet pastry filled with a creamy coconut and guava filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup guava jam
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or circles).
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before filling with coconut and guava mixture.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bori Bori
A flavorful and aromatic Indian dish, Bori Bori is a popular snack made with gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gram flour (chickpea flour)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– For the sauce:
+ 2 medium tomatoes, blended
+ 1 small onion, finely chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
+ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
+ 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
+ Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix gram flour, water, and salt to form a thick dough.
2. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a ball.
3. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the dumplings until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
6. Add blended tomatoes, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well.
7. Add fried dumplings to the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Vori Vori
Vori Vori is a traditional dessert from the Andean region, made with sweet potatoes and milk. This creamy and sweet treat is perfect for warm weather, as it’s light and refreshing.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 egg
– Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bake the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes, or until they’re soft.
2. Peel and mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine milk, sugar, salt, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the milk mixture and stir well.
5. Beat in the egg until smooth, then add vanilla extract if desired.
6. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large baking dish.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (baking time) + chilling time
Payagua Mascada
A traditional Latin American dessert, Payagua Mascada is a creamy and sweet pudding-like treat made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and vanilla.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and unsweetened shredded coconut.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
5. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Lambreado
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of lamb with the creaminess of bread, Lambreado is a must-try for any meat lover. With its crispy crust and tender interior, this recipe will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or shank, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb cubes, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Add the breadcrumb mixture to the lamb mixture and toss until well coated.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the lamb is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Puchero
Puchero is a comforting and flavorful stew originating from Argentina, typically served at family gatherings and celebrations. This recipe captures the essence of this beloved dish, perfect for a cold evening with loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or short ribs
– 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef and pork over medium-high heat, then set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add the potatoes, white beans, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil.
6. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
So’o Yosopy
Discover the flavors of [insert cuisine/region] with this simple recipe for So’o Yosopy. A delightful twist on traditional cooking methods, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, mixed vegetables, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Milanesa Paraguaya
A classic Paraguayan dish, Milanesa Paraguaya is a tender and juicy cutlet-style preparation of beef or chicken, breaded and fried to perfection. This recipe brings together the flavors of South America with its crispy exterior and savory interior.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef or chicken breast, cut into thin slices
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Dip each slice of beef or chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip the floured meat in the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Roll the egg-coated meat in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the breaded meat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Empanada Paraguaya
Discover the authentic taste of Paraguay with this traditional empanada recipe, filled with tender beef and crispy pastry.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add shortening and mix until crumbly.
3. Gradually add warm water to form dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
4. Divide dough into small balls (about the size of an egg).
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
6. Place a spoonful of beef mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
7. Fold the other half over to form a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal.
8. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry empanadas for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tortilla Paraguaya
Tortilla Paraguaya is a traditional Paraguayan dish that consists of a simple yet satisfying omelette-like flatbread. This recipe requires just a few ingredients and some quick cooking time to yield a delicious result.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the warm water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions, depending on desired thickness.
5. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Cook the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, until they puff up and are lightly browned.
8. Serve hot with your favorite fillings or toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Arroz Quesu
A classic Mexican comfort food, Arroz Queso is a rich and satisfying dish that combines flavorful rice cakes with melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a snack to share.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice with grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Add milk and stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
4. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on desired size of cakes.
5. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Place the rice cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt to taste.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
9. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pira Caldo
A classic Brazilian fish stew, Pira Caldo is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of white fish (such as tilapia or catfish), cut into small pieces
– 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 cups of water
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the fish pieces, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Add the diced tomato and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Locro
Locro is a traditional Argentinean dish that warms the soul with its rich, comforting flavors. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of white beans (such as cannellini or navy), soaked overnight and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and red bell pepper; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the soaked white beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Jopara
Jopara is a popular Indian dish originating from the state of Maharashtra, known for its spicy and flavorful taste. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of peanuts, chilies, and tomatoes to create a hearty and aromatic meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jowar flour (sorghum)
– 1/2 cup peanuts
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 2-3 green chilies, seeded and chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt, to taste
– Cooking oil or ghee, for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add peanuts and fry until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
5. Add tomatoes and green chilies; cook until the mixture thickens.
6. Mix in jowar flour and salt to taste.
7. Gradually add water to form a dough, kneading well.
8. Divide the dough into small portions and shape into desired forms (e.g., dumplings or flatbread).
9. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until Jopara is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Paraguay with these 18 authentic recipes. From hearty stews like Puchero and Sopa Paraguaya, to savory pastries like Empanada Paraguaya and Tortilla Paraguaya, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover unique dishes like Chipa Guasu, Mbeyú, and Payagua Mascada that showcase the country’s cultural fusion. Learn how to make traditional favorites like Arroz Queso, Pira Caldo, and Locro, and don’t miss the sweet treats like Milanesa Paraguaya. With these recipes, you’ll be transported to the flavors of Paraguay.
