Discover the authentic Sopa Paraguaya recipe, a traditional Paraguayan cornbread made with cornmeal, cheese, onions, and milk. Perfect for any meal, this savory dish offers a delightful taste of Paraguayan cuisine. Easy to follow recipe for a delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients:

  -2 cups cornmeal

  -1 cup all-purpose flour

  -1 tablespoon baking powder

  -1 teaspoon salt

  -1/2 cup sugar

  -1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  -1 1/2 cups milk

  -4 large eggs

  -1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Paraguayan cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)

  -1 large onion, finely chopped

  -1/4 cup vegetable oil

  -1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

1-Preheat Oven:

2-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan.

3-Prepare Onions:

4-In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

5-Mix Dry Ingredients:

6-In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

7-Mix Wet Ingredients:

8-In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and eggs until well combined.

9-Combine Ingredients:

10-Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheese, sautéed onions, and sour cream if using. Mix until evenly distributed.

Bake:

1-Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2-Cool and Serve:

3-Let the Sopa Paraguaya cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

1-Sopa Paraguaya is traditionally served as a side dish but can be enjoyed on its own.

2-Pair it with grilled meats, stews, or salads for a complete meal.

3-Enjoy it with a dollop of butter or sour cream on top for added flavor.

Storage:Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Values:

Cornmeal (2 cups)

  -Calories: 880

  -Protein: 18g

  -Fat: 6g

  -Carbohydrates: 192g

  -Fiber: 8g

benefits:

  -Rich in Fiber: Helps in digestion and maintaining healthy bowel movements.

  -Source of Essential Nutrients: Contains important vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.

  -Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

  -Calories: 455

  -Protein: 13g

   -Fat: 1.2g

  -Carbohydrates: 95g

  -Fiber: 3.4g

benefits:

  -Energy Source: Provides carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy.

  -Enriched with Nutrients: Often enriched with iron and B vitamins, which support metabolic health and red blood cell formation.

Baking Powder (1 tablespoon)

  -Calories: 5

  -Protein: 0g

  -Fat: 0g

  -Carbohydrates: 2.3g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits: Leavening Agent: Helps the cornbread rise, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  -Calories: 0

  -Protein: 0g

  -Fat: 0g

  -Carbohydrates: 0g

  -Fiber: 0g

    -Sodium: 2325mg

benefits:

  -Electrolyte Balance: Helps maintain fluid balance and proper muscle function.

  -Flavor Enhancer: Enhances the flavor of the dish, making it more enjoyable.

Sugar (1/2 cup)

  -Calories: 387

  -Protein: 0g

  -Fat: 0g

  -Carbohydrates: 100g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -Energy Boost: Provides a quick source of energy.

  -Flavor: Adds sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the cornbread.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup)

  -Calories: 814

  -Protein: 0.9g

  -Fat: 92g

  -Carbohydrates: 0g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions.

  -Healthy Fats: Provides energy and supports cell function.

Milk (1 1/2 cups)

  -Calories: 225

  -Protein: 12g

  -Fat: 8g

  -Carbohydrates: 24g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -Calcium-Rich: Essential for strong bones and teeth.

  -Protein Source: Contains high-quality protein needed for muscle repair and growth.

  -Vitamins: Supplies vitamins D and B12, important for bone health and red blood cell formation.

Eggs (4 large)

  -Calories: 280

  -Protein: 24g

  -Fat: 20g

  -Carbohydrates: 2g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -High-Quality Protein: Provides all essential amino acids necessary for the body.

  -Rich in Choline: Supports brain health and function.

  -Nutrient-Dense: Contains vitamins A, D, E, B12, and minerals like selenium and zinc.

Shredded Cheese (1 1/2 cups)

  -Calories: 495

  -Protein: 36g

  -Fat: 36g

  -Carbohydrates: 3g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -Calcium Source: Important for bone and dental health.

  -Protein-Rich: Helps in muscle maintenance and repair.

  -Probiotics: Some cheeses contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

Onion (1 large)

  -Calories: 60

  -Protein: 1.8g

  -Fat: 0.2g

  -Carbohydrates: 14.1g

  -Fiber: 2.8g

benefits:

  -Antioxidants: Contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

  -Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium.

  -Digestive Health: Promotes healthy digestion and has prebiotic effects.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup)

  -Calories: 480

  -Protein: 0g

  -Fat: 54g

  -Carbohydrates: 0g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids necessary for brain function and cell growth.

  -Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.

Sour Cream (1/2 cup, optional)

  -Calories: 240

  -Protein: 3g

  -Fat: 24g

  -Carbohydrates: 6g

  -Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  -Probiotics: Contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

Rich in Calcium: Supports bone health.

  -Flavor and Texture: Adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.

Total Nutritional Values (Approximate)

  -Calories: 4321

  -Protein: 108.7g

  -Fat: 241.4g

  -Carbohydrates: 432.4g

  -Fiber: 14.2g

  -Sodium: 2325mg (not including cheese content)

Per Serving (assuming 12 servings)

  -Calories: 360

  -Protein: 9g

  -Fat: 20.1g

  -Carbohydrates: 36g

  -Fiber: 1.2g

  -Sodium: 194mg

These values are rough estimates and can vary based on exact measurements and specific brands used.