Paraguayan cuisine is a hidden gem in the culinary world, blending indigenous Guarani flavors with Spanish influences to create dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and downright addictive.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate, you’re in for a treat. From cheesy bread to savory stews, Paraguayan food is all about comfort and tradition.
Ready to dive into a world of bold flavors and unique dishes? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a culinary journey through the heart of South America.
These recipes are so good, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner. Let’s get cooking!
1. Chipa (Paraguayan Cheese Bread)
Chipa is the ultimate Paraguayan snack—cheesy, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying.
This gluten-free bread is made with cassava flour and cheese, giving it a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1 cup grated cheese (queso Paraguay or mozzarella works)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Mix the cassava flour, cheese, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Why we chose it:
Chipa is a staple in Paraguayan households and street food scenes.
Its cheesy, addictive flavor makes it a must-try for anyone exploring Paraguayan cuisine.
2. Sopa Paraguaya (Paraguayan Cornbread)
Don’t let the name fool you—Sopa Paraguaya isn’t a soup. It’s a savory cornbread loaded with cheese and onions, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Sauté the onions in butter until soft. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, cheese, and salt.
Add the sautéed onions, milk, and beaten eggs. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Why this made it to our list:
Sopa Paraguaya is a unique twist on traditional cornbread, offering a rich, cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist.
3. Mbejú (Cassava Pancakes)
Mbejú is a gluten-free pancake made from cassava flour and cheese. It’s crispy, cheesy, and perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Mix the cassava flour, cheese, and salt. Add melted butter and milk to form a dough.
Shape the dough into small patties and cook on a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Why we selected it:
Mbejú is a quick, easy, and delicious way to experience Paraguayan flavors.
4. Asado Paraguayo (Paraguayan BBQ)
Asado Paraguayo is a meat lover’s dream. This BBQ dish features grilled meats like beef and chicken, often served with mandioca (cassava) and salsa.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef ribs
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp chimichurri sauce
How to make it:
Season the meats with salt and olive oil. Grill over medium heat until cooked through. Serve with chimichurri sauce and mandioca.
Why we chose it:
Asado Paraguayo is a celebration of flavors and a cornerstone of Paraguayan cuisine.
5. Bori Bori (Chicken and Cheese Dumpling Soup)
Bori Bori is a comforting soup made with chicken, vegetables, and cheesy dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Boil the chicken with onions, carrots, and celery. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, cheese, egg, and salt to form dumplings.
Add the dumplings to the soup and simmer until cooked.
Why this made it to our list:
Bori Bori is a hearty, flavorful dish that showcases Paraguayan comfort food at its best.
6. Pastel Mandi’o (Cassava Empanadas)
Pastel Mandi’o is a crispy, cheesy empanada made with cassava dough. It’s perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1/2 cup ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Sauté the onions and ground beef. Mix cassava flour, cheese, and salt. Add melted butter and form a dough.
Fill the dough with the beef mixture and fry until golden brown.
Why we selected it:
Pastel Mandi’o is a delicious twist on traditional empanadas.
7. Vori Vori (Cheese and Cornmeal Dumplings)
Vori Vori is a simple yet flavorful dish made with cheese and cornmeal dumplings served in a savory broth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Boil the vegetables in water. Mix cornmeal, cheese, egg, and salt to form dumplings. Add the dumplings to the broth and simmer until cooked.
Why we chose it:
Vori Vori is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
8. Milanesa (Breaded Meat Cutlets)
Milanesa is a popular dish in Paraguay, featuring breaded and fried meat cutlets. It’s crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken cutlets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup oil
How to make it:
Coat the cutlets in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and cover with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Why this made it to our list:
Milanesa is a crowd-pleaser and a staple in Paraguayan households.
9. So’o Yosopy (Beef and Rice Soup)
So’o Yosopy is a hearty beef and rice soup that’s packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Boil the beef with vegetables until tender. Add rice and simmer until cooked.
Why we selected it:
So’o Yosopy is a comforting, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
10. Payagua Mascada (Meat and Cassava Patties)
Payagua Mascada is a unique dish made with ground meat and cassava. It’s crispy, savory, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1 onion
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 tsp salt
How to make it:
Mix ground beef, cassava flour, diced onions, and salt. Form into patties and fry until golden brown.
Why we chose it:
Payagua Mascada is a flavorful, unique dish that’s a must-try.
11. Dulce de Mamón (Papaya Dessert)
Dulce de Mamón is a sweet, syrupy dessert made with papaya. It’s the perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe papaya
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
How to make it:
Peel and slice the papaya. Boil sugar, water, and cinnamon until syrupy. Add the papaya and simmer until tender.
Why this made it to our list:
Dulce de Mamón is a simple, delicious dessert that showcases Paraguayan sweetness.
Conclusion
Paraguayan cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and traditions.
From cheesy bread to hearty stews, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, pick a recipe, and start cooking.