Bori Bori

Name: Bori Bori
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Paraguay
Ingredients: Whole chicken, cut into pieces — about 1.5 kg (3.3 lb); Onion, chopped — 1; Garlic, minced — 2 cloves; Tomatoes, chopped — 2; Water — 1.9 L (64 fl oz); Cornmeal — 210 g (7.5 oz); Grated cheese — 50 g (1.75 oz); Egg — 1; Salt and pepper — to taste; Chopped parsley, to garnish

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Whole chicken, cut into pieces — about 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Onion, chopped — 1
Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
Tomatoes, chopped — 2
Water — 1.9 L (64 fl oz)
Cornmeal — 210 g (7.5 oz)
Grated cheese — 50 g (1.75 oz)
Egg — 1
Salt and pepper — to taste
Chopped parsley, to garnish

Method

Place the chicken, onion, garlic, tomato and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Skim any foam, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken, shred the meat off the bone, and return it to the pot.
Combine the cornmeal, grated cheese, egg and a pinch of salt with a little of the hot broth to form a firm, moist dough.
Shape the dough into small balls (about the size of a marble).
Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth and cook for 10–12 minutes until they float and are cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Introduction: A comforting chicken soup studded with small cornmeal and cheese dumplings, a beloved Paraguayan family lunch.

Cultural Background: Bori bori, named for the sound the small dumplings are said to make when dropped into the broth, is a cherished Paraguayan comfort food, its simple, homestyle preparation found across the country.

Tips: Shape the dumplings small and uniform so they cook evenly and float at the same time. Use a little hot broth to bind the dumpling dough, as this helps it hold together well.

Variations: Add diced carrot or squash to the broth for extra vegetables. Adjust the dumpling size to preference, though smaller is traditional.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring carefully to avoid breaking up the dumplings.

FAQs:

Q: Why is it called 'bori bori'?

A: The name is thought to reflect the sound made when the small dumplings are dropped into the simmering broth.

Q: Can the dumplings be made without cheese?

A: Cheese is traditional and adds flavour and richness, though a simpler cornmeal dumpling can be made without it.