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Step into the world of Paraguayan culinary delight with this mouthwatering creation – Sopa Paraguaya (Paraguayan soup)! This spongy and moist cornbread, brimming with the irresistible flavors of cheese and onion, is not only a taste sensation but also gluten-free.
This traditional and national Paraguayan dish is also widely consumed in the Argentinian provinces close to Paraguay’s borders.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart since my grandma (My father’s mom) was born in Paraguay. I saw her preparing Sopa Paraguaya for every celebration, holiday, birthday party, and family gathering.
And then, my mom started to prepare it for my dad, my sister, and me to follow the tradition.
And now I love sharing this recipe with you! I’ve made some adaptations from my grandma’s recipe to make it vegan. It’ll be a great recipe you can share with your loved ones since it’s delicious and accommodates different dietary choices/needs.
WHAT IS SOPA PARAGUAYA?
Sopa Paraguaya is a traditional and beloved dish from Paraguay. Despite its name, which translates to “Paraguayan soup.”, it’s not a soup but a unique type of savory cake or bread with a rich and hearty texture.
Sopa paraguaya is a culinary mistake-turned-national cuisine, originating in the 19th century when a president’s chef mistakenly added too much cornmeal to a soup recipe and made bread instead.
The main ingredients in Sopa Paraguaya include cornmeal (often extra fine cornmeal), cheese, onions, and sometimes eggs. The dish is known for its golden-brown crust and soft, slightly dense interior. This dish is not the usual image of a fluffy, cake-style cornbread. Instead, it falls somewhere between a casserole and bread, boasting a pleasantly moist texture with a satisfying density.
Sopa Paraguaya is a significant part of Paraguayan cuisine and culture, often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. It’s a comfort food that showcases the country’s agricultural ties, as corn is a staple crop in Paraguay.
This dish is naturally vegetarian, and to make this recipe vegan, dairy is substituted with plant-based milk and vegan cheese, making it accessible to individuals following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
This Vegan Sopa Paraguaya is a unique and delicious dish worth trying. Its flavor is savory and slightly cheesy, and it pairs well with various dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS VEGAN SOPA PARAGUAYA
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Creating this Vegan Sopa Paraguaya is a breeze! With just a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering, cheesy delight on your plate in no time.
Perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike!
And trust me, it’ll disappear in minutes!
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Before you embark on your culinary adventure, make sure you have these kitchen essentials at the ready:
- Cutting board and Sharp knife: for cutting the onions.
- A skillet for sautéing the onions.
- Large Mixing Bowl: for combining your ingredients.
- A baking dish to hold your Vegan Sopa Paraguaya. I’m using a 2QT (2 L) one.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s a list of the key ingredients used in Vegan Sopa Paraguaya:
- Onions: Onions add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Sautéing them softens their sharpness and enhances their aromatic qualities. We are using yellow onions.
- Corn flour, extra fine yellow cornmeal: the primary ingredient, providing the dish’s distinctive corn flavor and unique texture.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that ensures the Sopa Paraguaya has a light and airy texture, preventing it from becoming too dense. It’s not included in the original recipe; however, since we are not using eggs, it will help with the final texture.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper enhance the dish’s overall flavor by balancing the cornmeal’s sweetness and adding a savory touch.
- Plant-Based Milk: Plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk) adds creaminess to the batter while serving as a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk.
- Vegan Mozzarella Cheese: Vegan mozzarella cheese contributes creaminess and a cheesy flavor to the Sopa Paraguaya, creating that classic gooey texture when the dish is baked. I’m using my recipe for Vegan Mozzarella.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this delicious Vegan Sopa Paraguaya, follow the following easy steps:
Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and sauté sliced onions with water until slightly translucent.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine corn flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Then, add the plant-based milk and mix well to avoid lumps.
Add onions: add sautéed onions to the mixture.
Add Vegan Cheese: Gently fold in cubed vegan mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Pour the mixture into a dish and bake for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Slice and Enjoy: Let it cool, then slice it into squares or wedges for a delicious treat!
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- So delicious!
- Golden on the outside.
- Very moist inside.
- Tasty, savory, and cheesy.
- Super versatile!
- It’s allergen-friendly, accommodating various dietary needs.
- Simple and easy to make!
Let’s prepare this Vegan Sopa Paraguaya!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
VEGAN SOPA PARAGUAYA (PARAGUAYAN CORNBREAD)
Equipment
- 1 chopping board
- 1 chef knife
- 1 Skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Baking dish (I’m using a 2QT (2 L) one)
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions (medium sized, julienned or sliced)
- 2 cups corn flour, extra-fine (or extra fine cornmeal, 300 g)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 ½ cups plant-based milk (I'm using Unsweetened Organic Soy milk)
- 10 oz vegan mozzarella cheese (cubed. I'm using my vegan mozzarella recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Sopa Paraguaya will cook to perfection.
- Sauté the Onions: In a skillet, sauté with water the julienne-sliced onions until they become slightly translucent. This step should take around 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool.
- Mix the dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix well the corn flour (extra fine cornmeal), baking powder, salt and pepper.
- Add Wet ingredients: combine the plant-based milk with the dry ingredients. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated, avoiding lumps.
- Add the Onions: Incorporate the sautéed onions into the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Introduce the Cheese: Now comes the cheesy goodness! Gently mix in the cubed vegan mozzarella cheese. The mixture will look a bit wet, but don't worry; this is what prevents the Sopa Paraguaya from becoming overly dense.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the mixture into your baking dish* and tap it gently to even out the surface. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes** or until it turns a glorious golden brown. You can also check its doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- Slice and Savor: Once your Vegan Sopa Paraguaya has cooled, slice it into squares or wedges. It's now ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- * Having a non-stick and/or well-greased pan is essential for preventing cornbread from sticking and becoming difficult to remove. You can also use parchment paper.
- ** Time can vary depending on the type of oven, material, and depth of the baking dish, how golden brown you want the surface, etc. Always check its doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- This Vegan Sopa Paraguaya is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for five days.
- To reheat Vegan Sopa Paraguaya, wrap it in foil and warm in a 350°F oven or microwave for 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- You can also eat it at room temperature.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS VEGAN SOPA PARAGUAYA
Now that you’ve got a yummy, savory slice of Vegan Sopa Paraguaya on your plate, here are some ways to relish this delightful dish:
- Main Course Magic: Make the Sopa Paraguaya the star of your meal and pair it with a fresh or warm salad for a satisfying dinner.
- Sidekick to Vegan Delights: As a side dish, it complements veggie burgers and vegan meats perfectly, making your meal a memorable experience.
- Snack Attack: Craving a tasty snack? Savor a slice of Sopa Paraguaya for a quick and delicious pick-me-up.
- Picnic Essential: Pack it for a picnic and enjoy it alongside other vegan treats.
- Potluck Hit: Bring it to potlucks and watch it disappear in no time.
- Lunchbox Love: Pack a piece of this savory delight in your lunchbox for work or school.
Incorporate this Vegan Sopa Paraguaya into your culinary repertoire, and you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the flavors and traditions of Paraguay, all while adhering to your plant-based lifestyle.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and let your taste buds embark on a journey to South America without leaving your kitchen.
If you are hungry for some satisfying and delicious comfort food recipes, you could also try these ones:
DID YOU MAKE THIS VEGAN SOPA PARAGUAYA?
Please leave a comment below, share it, or rate it.
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