Welcome and welcome to Paulina Cocina my dear gastronomy lovers! Today we dive into the delicious world of Paraguayan cuisine to discover the exquisite flavor of a traditional dish: the chipá guazú.
In this note we are going to take a tour of the history, the meaning and we are going to give you some tips to prepare this emblematic dish of the Paraguay, who has many fans. We also share a easy recipe and delicious to make the chipá guazú, which if you have not tried it you will love!
On the chipá guazú
What is the chipá guazú?
The chipá guazú is a typical dish of Paraguay, recognized for its unique flavor and irresistible appearance. It is a kind of salty cake made mainly from corn and fresh cheese, with a soft and creamy texture, surprising for its sweet and sour flavor.
In addition to these fundamental ingredients, the chipá guazú usually contains other elements such as onion, eggs, milk and butter, which contribute to enhance its flavor and give it consistency. This traditional dish has conquered hearts all over the world for its authentic character and its combination of exquisite ingredients.
The homemade chipá guazú, is perfect to share at family gatherings or to enjoy at any time. Its ingredients are accessible and the recipe is simple. It can be eaten alone or with different accompaniments such as meat or salad.
The origins of the chipá guazú
To better understand the essence of chipá guazú, it is important to delve into the historical and cultural roots of Paraguay. This dish finds its origin in the Guarani cultureone of the most numerous and representative indigenous peoples of South America, which has left a deep mark on Paraguayan gastronomy.
The Guaraní were experts in the cultivation and consumption of maize, and this recipe is an example of their mastery of the handling of this cereal. Over time, chipá guazú has become a symbol of identity for Paraguay and is a delicacy enjoyed throughout the country and in neighboring countries, such as Argentina.
What does chipá guazú mean?
Guarani, the official language of Paraguay along with Spanish, has a rich linguistic and cultural tradition. In this context, the term “chip guazú” takes on a special meaning. “Chip” means “pan”while “wow” make reference to “grande” o “gigante”.
Therefore, the meaning literally translates as “big cornbread”. This denomination is a sample of the importance of corn in Paraguayan gastronomy and how this recipe stands out for its size and flavor.
5 tips for making chipá guazú
Key recommendations to make the chipá guazú perfect:
- Choosing a good corn: If possible, choose fresh corn or corn, to ensure an authentic flavor and a smooth texture in the preparation. If we are in a hurry, it can also be replaced by its canned version, but it is important to wash the grains to remove any excess salt they may have.
- Grate the corn: To achieve the characteristic texture of this recipe, it is best to grate the corn on a manual grater, leaving some whole kernels to give the dish color. In case of using canned corn, it is best to use a mixer or processor, but the texture is different.
- quality fresh cheese: Cheese is one of the fundamental ingredients in this recipe and represents a lot the flavor of the dish.
- Mix the ingredients evenly: To achieve an equitable distribution of flavors and textures.
- Cooking time: Don’t overcook it, so it doesn’t dry out, but it doesn’t stay raw in the center either. It is best to cook it at an average temperature of 180º, for around 35/45 minutes, but that will depend on the size of the dough.
Accompaniments for the chipá guazú
Chipá guazú is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both alone and accompanied by other traditional preparations. Some accompaniment options that are usually eaten with this dish are:
- Paraguayan roast: Chipá guazú is a classic accompaniment in Paraguayan barbecues. It goes very well with juicy cuts of roast beef, chorizos and black pudding. The combination of flavors is delicious.
- fresh salads: To balance the creaminess and texture of the recipe, a salad with fresh ingredients is always a good garnish. A classic mixed salad with lettuce, tomato, onion and olive oil will complement the flavor of the dish very well.
- sauces and dips: You can test with a Creole sauce, chimichurri, guacamole or cheese sauce. These options bring out the flavors of the corn and give it a special touch.
- Mate: In Paraguay, it is common to accompany the chipá guazú with a good round of mate. The yerba mate infusion complements the flavors of Paraguayan gastronomy very well.
Original recipe for chipá guazú
- Yield: 8 servings approximately
- Preparation time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 cups of grated fresh corn or corn
- 2 cups grated or small cut queso fresco
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg (optional)
How to make chipá guazú step by step
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and oil a mold. Sauté the onion in a pan with oil, until it is transparent and tender.
- In a large container, mix the grated corn or corn, with the sautéed onion, and the melted butter. Integrate well. Add the eggs, milk, nutmeg and season to taste. Mix well. Add the fresh cheese and mix again.
- Pour the mixture into the mold making sure to distribute it evenly. Bake for approximately 40/45 minutes, or until the preparation is golden on top and firm to the touch.
- Remove and let cool for a few minutes before cutting into individual servings.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net
