Bori Bori, also known as Vori Vori, is a Paraguayan soup made of seasoned chicken, a corn flour-thickened broth, root vegetables, and small balls of cheese and cornmeal. Its hearty and filling ingredients make it a popular comfort food in Paraguayan cuisine, often enjoyed as an evening meal in colder seasons.
Every country has a version of their own homemade soup that makes them feel at home, and in Paraguay it is Bori Bori. But there’s something special in the soup, too. This hearty chicken soup has cornmeal and cheese balls in the middle to keep people warm in the most freezing months.
While the root vegetables used in this soup might vary with season and location, the essential ingredients of this meal are cheese and cornmeal. The name of the dish, “Bori Bori,” refers to the small hand-rolled balls that are the star of this dish. These Bori Bori sometimes appear in other Paraguayan cuisines, usually soups and stews.
To make the Bori Bori, traditional recipes call for queso paraguayo or Paraguayan cheese. However, because this can be hard to find at most grocery stores, you can substitute mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, or grana padana. Just make sure to add some salt to the vori vori, as these cheeses are not as salty as the prime queso paraguayo.
History
The name Bori Bori is actually pronounced as ‘vorí vorí’ in Guarani language. Usually, this language uses repetitions of words to show abundance, and soup this good is never made for one person.
The word “vorí” derives from the Spanish word “bolita” which means little ball, referring to the previously mentioned corn balls.
Now, Vori Vori/Bori Bori has become a shorthand name for this dish, the full name being Vori vori de pollo.
With so many nutritious ingredients in the soup, it has quite a high protein content which would make it a well sought after dish during the Paraguayan war when food was more scarce.
After the country’s conflict, food was limited and everyday groceries were hard to find. That’s why the Paraguayans managed to make something delicious and nutritious in order to survive, whilst also being deeply flavorsome.
Even though its actual origins are unknown, Bori Bori soup has been around for a long time and is now even served at fancy banquets.
How Does Bori Bori Taste?
Bori Bori has a rich, creamy flavor. The cheeseballs have a sharp, lingering taste complimented by the spices in the stew itself.
However, there is a high probability that no two places will serve the same version of Bori Bori, since it’s a very customizable dish and people tend to add their own spin on it.
Bori Bori (Vori Vori) Recipe
Bori Bori hearty and filling ingredients make it a popular comfort food in Paraguayan cuisine, often enjoyed as an evening meal in colder seasons.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts thinly sliced - 3
- Chicken thighs boneless, chopped - 3
- Large diced onion - 1
- Sliced scallions - 4
- Green bell pepper cubed - 1
- Tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced - 2
- Pumpkin, cubed - ½ lb
- Carrot, cubed - 1
- Bay leaves - 2
- Ground cumin - ¼ teaspoon
- Salt - as required
- Freshly ground pepper - as required
- Vegetable oil - 6 tablespoons
- Corn flour (extra fine cornmeal) - 2 cups
- Queso paraguayo (Paraguayan cheese) or fresh cheese, grated - 5 oz.
- Water (approximately) - 3 quarts’
Instructions
Main stew recipe
- First and foremost, heat the oil in a pot and sauté all your pieces of chicken until they’re golden brown and rich in color.
- Once it’s done, remove the chicken and sauté your onions, scallions and tomatoes in the same oil.
- Season them with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Next, add the pumpkin and carrots and cook over medium heat while continuously stirring.
- Lastly, add the chicken, water, bay leaves, cumin and ground pepper.
- Let it boil for 45 minutes on medium heat.
- You might have to adjust the salt to your liking.
Dumplings recipe
- Add corn flour and cheese in a large bowl.
- Next, add about 2 tablespoons of the broth that’s cooking on the side.
- Knead your dough till it’s not too sticky and not too hard.
- Once that’s done, form balls the size of large grapes and add them to the pot with the rest of the ingredients.
- Your dumplings will rise when they rise to the surface.
- When that happens, turn off the heat and let it sit for a while before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 474Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 306mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 30g