Discover the irresistible flavor of Chipa So'o, a beloved South American snack featuring fluffy cornbread filled with savory seasoned ground beef. Learn how to make this traditional dish at home and satisfy your cravings for authentic Latin American cuisine. Perfect for snacking or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings, Chipa So'o offers a delicious taste of cultural heritage in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the cornbread dough:

  - 2 cups corn flour (masa harina)

  - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  - 2 eggs

  - 1/2 cup milk

  - 1/4 cup melted butter

  - 1 teaspoon baking powder

  - Salt to taste

For the seasoned ground beef filling:

  - 1 lb ground beef

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1 teaspoon paprika

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

2-In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, baking powder, and salt.

3-In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.

4-Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough gently until smooth.

5-In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.

6-Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.

7-Season the ground beef with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

8-Take a portion of the cornbread dough and flatten it on your palm to form a small disc. Place a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef filling in the center of the disc.

9-Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal and form a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

10-Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

11-Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.

12-Remove from the oven and let the Chipa So'o cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious cornbread snacks warm as a delightful treat!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and filling according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade Chipa So'o!

Nutritional Values :

Cornbread Dough:

Corn flour (masa harina) - 2 cups:

  - Calories: 720

  - Carbohydrates: 152g

  - Protein: 16g

  - Fat: 8g

benefits:

  - Rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

  - Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate.

  - Gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup:

  - Calories: 330

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 24g

  - Fat: 24g

benefits:

  - Good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

  - Provides protein, which is necessary for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contains vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and helps prevent anemia.

Grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup:

  - Calories: 431

  - Carbohydrates: 5g

  - Protein: 41g

  - Fat: 29g

benefits:

  - High in calcium and phosphorus, contributing to bone health.

  - Contains protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

  - Provides vitamin A, supporting vision health and immune function.

Eggs - 2:

  - Calories: 140

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 10g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

  - Rich in choline, which is important for brain health and development.

  - Contains vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, supporting various bodily functions including bone health, red blood cell production, and vision.

Milk - 1/2 cup:

  - Calories: 61

  - Carbohydrates: 5g

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 3g

benefits:

  - Good source of calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.

  - Provides protein, necessary for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contains vitamin D, supporting calcium absorption and immune function.

Butter (melted) - 1/4 cup:

  - Calories: 407

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 46g

benefits:

  - Contains healthy fats that are important for brain function and hormone production.

  - Rich in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

  - Adds flavor and richness to dishes.

Baking powder - 1 teaspoon:

  - Calories: 2

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0

Seasoned Ground Beef Filling:

Ground beef - 1 lb:

  - Calories: 1092

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 96g

  - Fat: 76g

benefits:

  - High-quality protein source, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

  - Provides essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, supporting energy production and overall health.

  - Contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, in moderation.

Onion (small) - 1:

  - Calories: 44

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Contains prebiotic fibers that promote gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

  - Provides vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.

Garlic cloves - 2:

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits:

  - Possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, supporting immune function and reducing the risk of infections.

  - Contains sulfur compounds that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

  - Rich in antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon:

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0.5g

benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and promote heart health.

  - May aid in digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort.

  - Adds a distinct flavor to dishes.

Paprika - 1 teaspoon:

  - Calories: 6

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0.5g

benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and carotenoids, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

  - Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and promote weight loss.

  - Adds color and flavor to dishes.

Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons:

  - Calories: 240

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 28g

benefits:

  - Contains healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

  - Provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

  - Adds moisture and flavor to dishes.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients used.