Mbeju - Cheesy Paraguayan Cornbread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (120g) mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup (120g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (60g) cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup (60g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (60g) Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup (60g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Toppings of your choice: ham, avocado, tomato, etc. Toppings of your choice: ham, avocado, tomato, etc.

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring until it forms a thick dough.
3. 3.
   Add the melted butter to the dough and mix well.
4. 4.
   Fold in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
5. 5.
   Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Take a handful of the dough and shape it into a ball. Flatten the ball to form a disc, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Place the disc onto the preheated skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
9. 9.
   Serve the Mbeju warm with your choice of toppings.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the Mbeju.
• Cheese — Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. However, make sure to include a combination of melting cheese (such as mozzarella) and flavorful cheese (such as cheddar or Parmesan) for the best results.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, you can brush the Mbeju with a little extra melted butter before cooking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced ham, diced avocado, or fresh tomato salsa to add extra flavor and texture to your Mbeju.
• Serve Mbeju as a side dish with grilled meats or as a snack with a cup of hot yerba mate tea.

Serving advice

Serve Mbeju warm as it is or with your choice of toppings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a side dish alongside your favorite Paraguayan dishes.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mbeju on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with a selection of colorful toppings to make it visually appealing. Consider serving it on traditional Paraguayan pottery or colorful plates to showcase the cultural heritage.