Discover the rich flavors of Sopa So'o, a delectable Paraguayan delicacy that combines the traditional elements of sopa paraguaya with savory ground beef. This hearty dish offers a unique blend of cornmeal, cheese, and ground beef, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make this mouthwatering recipe at home and impress your friends and family with a taste of Paraguayan cuisine.

Ingredients:

  - 2 cups cornmeal

  - 2 cups grated cheese (traditionally queso Paraguayo or any white cheese like mozzarella)

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

  - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

  - 2 tomatoes, diced

  - 1 pound ground beef

  - 4 cups milk

  - 4 eggs

  - 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or a skillet with oil and set aside.

2-In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.

3-Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4-In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, cooked ground beef mixture, and the eggs. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

5-Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring continuously until you have a smooth batter.

6-Pour the batter into the greased baking dish or skillet, spreading it evenly.

7-Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8-Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

9-Serve warm as a main dish or as a side dish alongside your favorite Paraguayan meal.

Enjoy your delicious Sopa So'o!

Nutritional Values :

Cornmeal (2 cups):

  - Calories: 912 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 190 g

  - Protein: 24 g

  - Fat: 9 g

  - Fiber: 16 g

benefits:

  - Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

  - Rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting bowel regularity.

  - Contains essential minerals like iron and zinc.

Grated cheese (2 cups):

  - Calories: 792 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 4 g

  - Protein: 48 g

  - Fat: 64

  - Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, promoting strong bones and teeth.

  - Provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contains vitamin B12, important for nerve function and energy production.

Onion (1 medium):

  - Calories: 44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 10 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Fiber: 2 g

benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress.

  - Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and promote a healthy microbiome.

  - May have antibacterial properties and help boost the immune system.

Bell Peppers (both red and green)

Red bell pepper (1 medium):

  - Calories: 37 kcal

  -Carbohydrates: 9 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Fiber: 3 g

Green bell pepper (1 medium):

  - Calories: 33 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 8 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Fiber: 3 g

benefits:

  - High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.

  - Good source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, protecting cells from damage.

  - Provide fiber, aiding digestion and contributing to a feeling of fullness.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

  - Calories: 44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 10 g

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

  - Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

  - Good source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

  - May help improve skin health and protect against UV damage.

Ground beef (1 pound):

  - Calories: 780 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 80 g

  - Fat: 50 g

  - Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

  - Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

  - Can help increase satiety and contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Milk (4 cups):

  - Calories: 496 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 40 g

  - Protein: 32 g

  - Fat: 20 g

  - Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.

  - Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids.

  - Contains vitamins and minerals like potassium and phosphorus, supporting overall health.

Eggs (4 large):

  - Calories: 280 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 24 g

  - Fat: 20 g

  - Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

  - Rich in high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

  - Excellent source of choline, important for brain health and development.

  - Provide vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals like selenium and iron.

Vegetable oil (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 960 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 218 g

  - Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

  - Contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

  - Source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

  - Provides essential fatty acids that the body needs for various functions, including hormone production and cell membrane structure.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation method, and specific variety of the ingredients used.