Yerba Mate Chipa

Background and History

Yerba Mate Chipa is a traditional snack from the Guarani people, indigenous to Paraguay. This delicious treat has its roots deeply embedded in South America's cultural heritage. Originally, Chipa was made by native populations and later its recipe was influenced by Spanish and Portuguese immigrants who introduced ingredients like cheese and eggs. Yerba Mate itself is a beverage with a long-standing tradition, often linked to social gatherings and shared among family and friends. When combined into a snack like Chipa, it encapsulates the essence of communal and cultural experience.

Ingredients

• Cassava Flour - 500g
• Cornstarch - 250g
• Yerba Mate - 50g
• Cheese (Paraguayan cheese or any hard cheese) - 300g, grated
• Butter - 100g, softened
• Milk - 200ml
• Eggs - 3
• Baking Powder - 1 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp

Preparation

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining cassava flour and cornstarch in a large bowl. Add in the yerba mate, baking powder, and salt, and thoroughly mix the ingredients.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the butter and milk. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Fold in the grated cheese into the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Shape the Chipa

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.

Step 5: Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Use a cooking timer to track the time. The cheese in the Chipa should melt and form a golden crust.

Enjoying Yerba Mate Chipa

Serve the Yerba Mate Chipa warm, ideally right after baking when the inside is still soft and the outside is crispy. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of yerba mate tea, bringing together the emblematic flavors of South America. These delightful little cheese breads are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a side with soups and salads. Enjoying Chipa is not just about the taste; it's also about embracing the cultural significance and sense of community it represents.