National Dish Paraguay: Bori Bori (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Bori Bori, the heart-warming national dish of Paraguay! Little cornmeal dumplings bob in a clear, fragrant broth alongside tender, well-seasoned chicken, making for a bowlful that delights every sense. Scattered with fresh herbs and rich with the flavours of the countryside, it is the kind of soul-warming food made for lingering meals and lively gatherings around the table. Bring the comfort of a Paraguayan kitchen straight to your own home.
About Bori Bori
Bori Bori is a traditional Paraguayan dish that captures the flavours and culture of the country to perfection. It brings together hearty cornmeal dumplings and well-seasoned chicken in a clear, aromatic broth. That pairing has made it a much-loved dish that wins over locals and visitors alike. The fresh herbs so often stirred through it give the dish not only a lovely appearance but also a deep, satisfying flavour — the same rustic warmth you find across Paraguayan cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g cornmeal
- 500 g chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
- 1.5 litres water or chicken stock
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or coriander)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: vegetables of your choice
Shopping for the ingredients
To make bori bori, it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit your local market to track down the best fresh herbs and vegetables. When buying chicken, try to source it from trustworthy suppliers to guarantee the quality. The cornmeal should be as fine as possible, so the dumplings turn out tender and full of flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing bori bori is simple and straightforward, though a few steps help you get the best results. Begin by slicing the onion and finely chopping the garlic cloves. These ingredients are important flavour carriers in the broth. You should also wash the fresh herbs thoroughly and chop them finely, so they can be stirred quickly into the dish at the end.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the water or chicken stock to the boil in a large pot.
- Add the chicken breast or thighs and cook until the meat is done through.
- While the chicken simmers, mix the cornmeal with a little water in a bowl until you have a smooth dough.
- Fry the onion and garlic in oil until golden brown, then add them to the broth.
- Once the chicken is cooked, lift it out, cut it into pieces and return them to the broth.
- With damp hands, shape small dumplings from the cornmeal dough and drop them gently into the broth.
- Let the dumplings cook in the broth for about 10–15 minutes, until they rise to the surface.
- Season to taste with the chopped herbs and spices, then serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Happily, bori bori is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as long as you use gluten-free cornmeal. That way, anyone with a gluten intolerance can enjoy the dish too. Do check that all the other ingredients you use, such as the chicken stock, are free from unwanted additives. This lets you make sure the whole dish meets your requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegan and vegetarian versions of bori bori, you can swap the chicken for vegetable stock and a range of vegetables, such as carrots, peas or peppers. Instead of chicken breast, you might also use tofu or seitan to keep the dish nourishing and tasty. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so vegans and vegetarians can enjoy this delicious dish just as much. When seasoning, keep your guests’ preferences in mind to bring the aromas to life.
More tips and tricks
The dumplings should not be too large, as they swell up while cooking. A good tip is to roll them evenly, so they cook through at the same rate. To deepen the flavour even further, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of chilli, depending on your taste. Experiment with other spices to bring your own personal touch to this traditional dish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
You can adjust the bori bori recipe to your own preferences with ease. Experiment with different vegetables or other protein alternatives. Marinate the chicken or tofu before cooking to add extra layers of flavour. Reach for your favourite spices to make the dish even more tempting — much as you would when seasoning a hearty Guiso De Gallina.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives you can use. In place of chicken stock you can use vegetable stock, and the fresh herbs can be swapped for dried spices. The cornmeal, too, can be replaced with other flours such as rice flour to create a new twist. Be creative and experiment with different variations, just as you might with a comforting Sopa De Arroz.
Drink pairing ideas
To show off the flavours of bori bori at their best, drinks such as a fresh lime juice or a light sparkling water work well. A dry white beer or a light red wine could also pair nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, a fruity iced tea is an excellent choice, as is a glass of refreshing Tereré. These drinks harmonise beautifully with the savoury, hearty character of the dish.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present bori bori attractively, use a large, shallow bowl in which the broth and the dumplings can really shine. Decorative herbs or a slice of lemon make a lovely garnish. Aim to keep the colours of the ingredients vivid, as this makes the dish look all the more appealing. Not only will it catch your guests’ eye, it will also whet their appetite.
A bit of history
Bori bori has its roots in indigenous Paraguayan cooking and has been passed down from generation to generation. The use of maize as a staple food reflects the country’s agricultural traditions. In earlier times the dish was a filling source of nourishment for workers and families. Today it is regarded not only as a delicacy but also as a symbol of Paraguayan identity, sitting proudly alongside classics like Sopa Paraguaya.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bori Bori
Bori bori is a wonderful example of the rich culinary heritage of Paraguay. With its flavourful dumplings and hearty broth, it is not only a filling dish but also a sociable one that brings people together. Perfect for any time of year, it can easily be adapted to suit different diets. Savour the flavours of Paraguay and make bori bori with ease in your own kitchen.
