This week we explore the South American country of Paraguay and their delicious buns: chipas. Surely, even the pickiest eater in the family will enjoy this recipe!

Paraguay is a landlocked country in the center of South America bordered by Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the west, and Argentina to the south.

•  Having two official languages, Spanish and Guarani, 
• Paraguay is the only country in the world that has a front of its flag that is different from the back.
• Out of all the land-locked countries in the world, Paraguay has the largest navy by far.
•  Renewable energy makes up 99% of all the electricity produced in the country.

Chipas are small cheesy gooey gluten-free balls of deliciousness made with cassava/tapioca/ manioc flour. The history of chipas goes back to pre-colonial South America where the Guarani people would mix cassava flour and water. Later with the introduction of chickens and livestock, the recipe evolved to contain cheese and eggs. Chipas are often sold by street vendors who keep them warm by wrapping them in a heavy cloth. They are consumed mainly in Paraguay and Argentina. 

Ingredients

• 500g manioc / tapioca / cassava flour
• 3 large free-range eggs
• 100 ml milk
• 120g unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 250g semi-firm cheese such as gouda or fontina diced into small ½ cm cubes
• 150g parmesan cheese grated

Method

• In a large mixing bowl add cassava flour, butter, and both cheeses and mix well
• Using a separate, bowl whisk the eggs, salt, milk, and baking powder together.
• In the large mixing bowl make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the wet ingredients. 
• Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth (it’s ok if some cheese is popping out)
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
• Preheat the oven to 230 celsius 
• After the dough has rested separate golf ball-sized portions and roll in the palm of your hands and place on a large baking tray. Make sure to leave a couple of centimeters between the balls because they will increase their size by about 50%
• Place in the middle rack of a preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
• Let cool only for 5-7 minutes and serve. Chipas are always ten times as delicious when eaten fresh.

Little Hands Can

2-4-Year-Olds

• Help weigh and measure ingredients 
• Mix dry ingredients together
• Crack eggs and mix wet ingredients
• Form chipa balls and place on a baking tray

5-7-Year-Olds

• Help weigh and measure ingredients 
• Mix dry ingredients together
• Crack eggs and mix wet ingredients
• Form chipa balls and place them on a baking tray
• Grate cheese (under adult supervision)

7+

• Help weigh and measure ingredients 
• Mix dry ingredients together
• Crack eggs and mix wet ingredients
• Form chipa balls and place them on a baking tray
• Grate cheese (under adult supervision)
• Chop semi-firm cheese into small cubes (under adult supervision)

Try these other delicious recipes from Bébé Voyage:

Spanish Tortilla: Delicious Recipes From Around The World!

Maafe or Groundnut Stew From Mali: Recipes From Around The World!

Pesarattu from India: Delicious Recipes From Around the World