Creamy Paraguayan Corn Pancake (Chipa Guazú)
Chipa Guazú is a beloved dish from Paraguay that beautifully combines the sweet, vibrant flavors of fresh corn with the creamy richness of cheese and eggs. This dish is similar to Sopa Paraguaya but stands out for its creamier texture and the generous use of sautéed onions, which add depth and sweetness. Ideal as a side dish or a light meal, Chipa Guazú is comforting and flavorful, making it a popular choice not only in Paraguay but also in various international cuisines. This recipe celebrates the simplicity and deliciousness of corn and is sure to be a hit at your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
3 (sliced)
Corn cobs
4 (kernels removed (or 500-700 g frozen corn))
Cream cheese
500 g (cut into thin slices (can substitute mozzarella))
Eggs
6 (well beaten)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Corn oil
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Heat the corn oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Pour in the milk and simmer the mixture for an additional 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3
If using fresh corn, carefully slice the kernels off the cobs. Alternatively, if using frozen corn, thaw it and drain any excess water. Blend the corn briefly, allowing it to retain some texture.
4
Add the cream cheese (or mozzarella), cut into thin slices, to the onion and milk mixture. Then add the beaten eggs, corn, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined; the batter should be fairly liquid.
5
Grease a baking dish (approximately 25-35 cm) and pour the mixture into it, smoothing the top.
6
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
7
Allow the Chipa Guazú to cool for 5 minutes before slicing it into pieces and serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chipa Guazú?
Chipa Guazú is a traditional Paraguayan dish that is essentially a creamy corn pancake or cake made with fresh corn, cheese, and onions.
Where does Chipa Guazú originate?
Chipa Guazú is a beloved staple of Paraguayan cuisine.
How does Chipa Guazú differ from Sopa Paraguaya?
Chipa Guazú is known for its creamier, moister texture and the use of fresh corn kernels and sautéed onions, whereas Sopa Paraguaya is more like a dense cornbread.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 fresh corn cobs with 500-700 grams of frozen corn, ensuring it is thawed and drained.
What kind of cheese is best for Chipa Guazú?
The recipe calls for cream cheese cut into thin slices, but mozzarella is a perfect substitute.
Is Chipa Guazú vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains corn, milk, eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 6 well-beaten eggs for this recipe.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the sliced onions in corn oil for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
What is the purpose of simmering milk with the onions?
Simmering the milk with the sautéed onions for about 8 minutes allows the flavors to meld together before mixing with other ingredients.
Should the corn be blended into a smooth paste?
No, the corn should be blended briefly so that it retains some of its texture rather than becoming a completely smooth liquid.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F.
How long does Chipa Guazú take to bake?
It typically takes about 45 minutes to bake until the top is golden brown.
What size baking dish should I use?
A baking dish approximately 25-35 cm in size is recommended.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of milk.
Should the batter be thick or thin?
The batter for Chipa Guazú should be fairly liquid before it goes into the oven.
How do I prepare the corn cobs?
Carefully slice the kernels off the 4 corn cobs before blending them.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of corn oil, you can use other neutral oils if necessary.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
It is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges of the cake are set.
Does Chipa Guazú need to rest after baking?
Yes, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to help it set.
How is Chipa Guazú typically served?
It is often served warm as a side dish or as a light meal.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is widely considered a comfort food due to its rich, cheesy, and creamy corn profile.
How many onions are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 onions, which are sliced and sautéed.
Can I add extra ingredients?
While this is a traditional recipe, some variations might include different types of local cheeses or herbs.
What makes this dish creamy?
The combination of milk, eggs, and a large amount of cream cheese or mozzarella creates the signature creamy texture.
Is Chipa Guazú gluten-free?
Since it uses corn instead of wheat flour, it is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific cheese and oil brands.
Can I make this in a smaller batch?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients, though you may need to adjust the baking time and dish size.
What is the texture like?
It has a soft, souffle-like interior with a slightly textured bite from the corn kernels.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Why is it called Chipa Guazú?
'Chipa' refers to a category of corn/cassava based snacks in Paraguay, and 'Guazú' means 'big' in Guaraní, referring to its larger cake-like form.