Cheesy Paraguayan Cornbread (Sopa Paraguaya)
Sopa Paraguaya, despite its name, is a delightful cornbread that showcases the rich culinary tradition of Paraguay. This dish is a wonderful marriage of sweet corn and savory cheese, making it a perfect side for soups or grilled meats. It features a lovely blend of farmer's cheese and muenster, balanced with the sweetness of sautéed onions. Sopa Paraguaya is versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack. Its golden crust and moist interior create a comforting texture, while the flavors of cheese and corn dance on your palate. Serve it warm or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
8 tablespoons (melted, divided)
Sweet onion
1 large (finely chopped)
Farmer's cheese or cottage cheese
1 cup (softened)
Grated muenster cheese or other mild cheese
1 cup (grated)
Cornmeal
2 cups (dry)
Corn kernels
2 cups (grated or 1 (16-ounce) can cream-style corn)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Milk
1 cup (whole or low-fat)
Eggs
6 (separated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch by 13-inch (25 cm x 30 cm) baking pan.
2
In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over moderate heat. Add the finely chopped sweet onion and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter with the farmer's cheese (or cottage cheese) and mix until creamy and well-blended.
4
To the cheese mixture, add the grated muenster cheese, cooked onions, cornmeal, corn kernels (or cream-style corn), salt, and milk. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Add the egg yolks to the corn and cheese mixture and mix well.
6
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate them.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Place in the preheated oven.
8
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sopa Paraguaya?
Sopa Paraguaya is a traditional Paraguayan cornbread that is known for its rich culinary heritage, featuring a moist interior and a golden crust.
Why is it called Sopa Paraguaya if it is a cornbread?
Despite its name, which translates to 'Paraguayan Soup,' it is actually a dense and savory cornbread, not a liquid soup.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are butter, sweet onion, farmer's or cottage cheese, muenster cheese, cornmeal, corn kernels, salt, milk, and eggs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
What size baking pan is required?
This recipe requires a 10-inch by 13-inch (25 cm x 30 cm) baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease and flour the baking pan to prevent the cornbread from sticking.
How do I prepare the onions for Sopa Paraguaya?
Finely chop the sweet onion and sauté it in 4 tablespoons of butter until tender and translucent.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of farmer's cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese is a perfectly acceptable substitute for farmer's cheese in this recipe.
What type of cheese can I use besides muenster?
You can use any mild cheese as a substitute for grated muenster cheese.
Can I use cream-style corn instead of kernels?
Yes, a 16-ounce can of cream-style corn can be used in place of the 2 cups of corn kernels.
Is it necessary to separate the eggs?
Yes, separating the eggs and beating the whites until soft peaks form helps create the desired texture when folded into the batter.
How long does Sopa Paraguaya take to bake?
It typically takes between 45 to 55 minutes to bake until golden brown.
How do I know when the cornbread is done?
The cornbread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or low-fat milk as specified in the ingredients list.
What is the best way to serve Sopa Paraguaya?
It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile side dish or snack.
What dishes pair well with this cornbread?
It pairs beautifully with soups or grilled meats, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a midday snack.
Can I eat Sopa Paraguaya for breakfast?
Absolutely, it is versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack.
What is the texture of Sopa Paraguaya?
It features a golden outer crust with a moist and comforting interior.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of melted butter, divided between sautéing and the cheese mixture.
What kind of cornmeal should be used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of dry cornmeal.
Should the egg whites be beaten to stiff peaks?
No, the recipe specifies beating the egg whites until they form soft peaks.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe uses 6 eggs, which must be separated into yolks and whites.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, since it can be served at room temperature, it is a great dish to prepare in advance.
What flavor profile does Sopa Paraguaya have?
It offers a delightful marriage of sweet corn and savory cheese with a hint of sweetness from sautéed onions.
Is Sopa Paraguaya a vegetarian dish?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Can I use frozen corn kernels?
Yes, 2 cups of grated corn kernels are required, which can be prepared from fresh or frozen corn.
What is the purpose of folding in the egg whites?
Folding in the egg whites adds air to the batter, providing a lighter texture to the dense cornbread.
Is this a healthy breakfast option?
The recipe is tagged as a healthy breakfast choice, offering protein from eggs and cheese along with corn nutrients.