International Cuisine

Exploring the world through food.

Muufo (Somali Bread)

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Muufo is the name of this Somali bread that is also very popular there. It is made with a fine semolina that if you can’t find it in your local grocery store you can pick some up here.  Semolina is made from durum wheat however it has a texture similar to maize flour which can also be used. 

Muufo served in a cast iron skillet.Who doesn’t love  bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside?  It is delicious, and we loved it to sop up the sauce from our Suugo recipe.  Muufo is lightly flavored with fenugreek, a spice that is another hard to find ingredient that you can find here. 

I cooked them on the stove in individual little cast iron skillets, and they turned out beautifully.  In Somalia they would likely cook them in a clay oven. 

Did you know that Somalia is known for pirates? They have the longest coastline in all of Africa.  There was even a movie made about a captain that exchanged his life for those of his crew that were being held by Somali Pirates.  The name of the movie is called “Captain Phillips” if you want to check it out.

If you would like to learn more about Somalia, be sure to check out “Our Journey to Somalia.  There you will also find more authentic recipes to go with your muufo,  like  Suugo , Somali Salad

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

Muufo served in a cast iron skillet.
5 from 2 votes
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Muufo (Somali Bread)

A delicious thick bread made from fine semolina

Course Bread
Cuisine Somali
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Rising time 14 hours
Total Time 14 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 459 kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semolina flour fine
  • 2 Tablespoons yogurt plain
  • 1/2 cup water warm
  • 1 packet yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek ground
  • 1 cup flour plain
  • 1 cup self rising flour
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon oil for skillets

Instructions

  1. Mix together the semolina, yogurt, yeast, salt and fenugreek powder.

  2. Add warm water to make a thin batter. Mix well.

  3. Cover and put in warm spot overnight to rise

  4. Add in the plain flour and self-rising flour along with the sugar.

  5. Mix well and add enough water a cup or more to get a thick batter, add just a little at a time to get the right consistency. Knead for about 5 minutes.

  6. Cover and set aside another 2 hours.

  7. Knead again and separate batter into 4 pieces

  8. Oil the skillets and press the dough into the skillets

  9. Cook on medium high until golden on the bottom and flip over.

  10. Cook until golden and enjoy hot.

Recipe Notes

If you don't have the individual size cast iron skillets, you can make a circle out of the dough about 3 inches (ca. 8 cm) each and cook in an oil skillet.

Nutrition Facts
Muufo (Somali Bread)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 459 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 591mg26%
Potassium 175mg5%
Carbohydrates 88g29%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 14g28%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Akkawi Manakeesh (A Cheese Bread from Saudi Arabia)

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Akkawi Manakeesh is what the Saudi’s call their cheese bread.  It is beloved all over the country and the region for that matter.  This recipe, the cheese bread is topped with nigella seeds, but you could also use a spice mixture called za’atar which will add a bit more flavor to the bread.  We loved Akkawi Manakeesh both ways.

Akkawi is a mild soft white cheese that you will find in your local Middle Eastern market.  It comes in a jar with a brine. Akkawi is also spelled a few different ways like Ackawi, Akawi, Akawieh or Ackawi.  You want to crumble up the cheese and rinse it a couple of times to diffuse the salt.   It reminded me a bit of mozzarella, a lovely mild flavor.

We really enjoyed the akkawi manakeesh as our appetizer course for our International Cuisine meal.  It is often eaten in Saudi Arabia as a snack or for breakfast.  I love to cook bread and pizza on a pizza stone, it comes out great every time.

A flat bread with baked cheese and nigella seedsDid you know that Saudi Arabia is known to be the birthplace of Islam?  It is home to the religion’s two most sacred mosques.  Masjid al-haram, also known as the Grand Mosque in Mecca is the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, it is also the largest mosque in the world, and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabaw, is the burial site of the prophet Muhammad.

If you would like to learn more about one of the wealthiest countries in the world, be sure to check out “Our Journey to Saudi Arabia”.  There you can also find more authentic Saudi recipes like their national dish called Al Kabsa, enjoy!

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

A flat bread with baked cheese and nigella seeds
5 from 2 votes
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Akkawi Manakeesh (Arabic Cheese Bread)

A delicious flat cheese bread called Akkawi manakeesh, super popular in Saudi Arabia, and for good reason, it is delicious!

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Saudi Arabian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 347 kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1¼ cup Lukewarm Water
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Yeast
  • 3½ cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil Plus Extra For Greasing the bowl
  • 1 pound Akkawi Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Nigella Seeds

Instructions

  1. Put the warm water into a bowl or cup. Stir the yeast into the water and set aside for 5 minutes, or until it starts to bubble up.
  2. Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  3. Gradually pour the yeast water and oil into the dry ingredients. Stir well to bind, then knead for 5 to 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic when ready.
  4. Place the dough into a large bowl that you’ve greased with oil. Place a damp tea towel over the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Meanwhile, crumble the cheese into a large bowl. Cover with cold water to soak and help remove the salt.
  6. Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into four equal-sized pieces.
  7. Place the dough back into the bowl and let it rest for an extra 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 450 F.
  9. On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a disc about 10-inches in diameter.
  10. Drain the akkawi cheese. Sprinkle about 1 cup of akkawi cheese over the dough. Sprinkle about 1/2 tablespoon of nigella seeds evenly over the cheese.
  11. Transfer the dough to a cookie sheet or pizza stone and bake 20 minutes, or until the crust is baked and cheese is melted.
  12. Serve warm
Nutrition Facts
Akkawi Manakeesh (Arabic Cheese Bread)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 347 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 38mg13%
Sodium 496mg22%
Potassium 130mg4%
Carbohydrates 68g23%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 60IU1%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 42mg4%
Iron 3.9mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Samoan Coconut Rolls Pani Popo

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Samoan coconut rolls called pani popo are simply to die for.  The roll is hot and soft and the sweetness from the coconut milk and sugar simply takes these babies to a heavenly place.  You are more than welcome to make the rolls from scratch but honestly you can just pick up some frozen rolls from  the freezer section of your grocery store and save yourself lots of time, which is how I made these.

A plate full of Pani Popo Samoan coconut rolls

Honestly I could have eaten the entire pan of these delicious Samoan coconut rolls.  The bottom line is you won’t be able to just eat one so be sure to plan accordingly.  Samoans are known to use a ton of coconut in just about all of their dishes which I absolutely love.

According to the CIA’s world Factbook, over half the Samoan population is obese.  This is not solely caused by some genetic disposition, but a historical belief that obesity is a symbol of health, wealth and happiness.  Historically the village chiefs or (matai) were fed the most and thus obesity became a status symbol.  Let’s just say it wouldn’t take long eating these Pani Popo’s or Samoan coconut rolls.

If you would like to learn more about this beautiful country in the South Pacific be sure to check out “Our Journey to Samoa”.  There you can also find some more delicious Samoan recipes.  Be sure to join the culinary journey around the world when you stop by, it’s free!

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

A plate full of Pani Popo Samoan coconut rolls
5 from 3 votes
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Samoan Coconut Rolls (Pani Popo)

A heavenly bite, fair warning you won't stop at one!

Course Side Dish
Cuisine Samoan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
rising time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 637 kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 12 Dinner rolls Frozen
  • 1 Can Coconut milk
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Coat a baking dish 9x13 with cooking spray and arrange the dough in the pan

  2. Let thaw and rise per package instructions

  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  4. In a bowl mix together the sugar with the coconut milk and pour over the risen rolls

  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown

  6. Let cool if you can stand to wait and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts
Samoan Coconut Rolls (Pani Popo)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 637 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 20g125%
Sodium 689mg30%
Potassium 358mg10%
Carbohydrates 87g29%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 27g30%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 244mg24%
Iron 7.7mg43%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Russian Black Bread

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Russian black bread is a staple in the Russian diet.  It is served daily.  It has a long history and is even credited for keeping folks alive after the Nazi’s invaded when ingredients were very difficult to come by.

A loaf of Russian Black Bread

Russian black bread has been a symbol of people’s well-being.  The Slavs believed that people who shared a loaf became friends forever.   I love that, it is pretty much my whole premise for International Cuisine.  Sharing bread, a meal or a simple cup of tea, is the ultimate form of hospitality and a treasured memory.

The Russian black bread is black and sour, made with rye and a sour starter or leaven.   It was much cheaper and more nutritious than white bread. The different grades of rye bread indicated one’s wealth.  This recipe has numerous ingredients to make a rich and hearty loaf. Today the bread is ubiquitous, and we loved it with the beetroot soup known as Borscht.

If you would like to learn more about this most interesting country of Russia, be sure to check out “Our Journey to Russia” to learn more.  You will also find more delicious and authentic Romanian recipes you are sure to love.

Have you ever tried Russian black bread?  If you have I would love to hear your description of it in the comments below. Also, if you choose to make this amazing bread, please send me a picture of it and let me know how you liked it.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page may contain affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

A loaf of Russian Black Bread
5 from 1 vote
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Russian Black Bread

A hearty and delicious taste of Russia.  You will love this Russian Black Bread!

Course Bread
Cuisine Russian
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rising time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2 loaves
Calories 1671 kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 4 cups rye flour
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups 100% all-bran cereal
  • 2 tablespoons caraway seeds crushed
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed crushed
  • 2 1/4 ounce packages active dry yeast
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup dark molasses
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
  • 1/4 cup butter

For the glaze

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions

Instructions

  1. Combine flours in a bowl.
  2. In another large bowl, thoroughly mix 2 1/3 cups flour mixture, sugar, salt, cereal, caraway seed, coffee powder, onion powder, fennel seed and undissolved yeast.
  3. In a sauce pan combine 2 1/2 cups water, vinegar, molasses, chocolate and butter.
  4. Heat liquid mixture over low heat until liquids are very warm, butter and chocolate do not have to be fully melted.
  5. Gradually add heated liquid mixture to dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally.
  6. Add 1/2 cup flour mixture at a time, Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
  7. Stir in enough additional flour mixture to make a soft dough.
  8. Turn dough on to a lightly floured board. Cover dough with a tea towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
  9. Knead dough until smooth and elastic this takes 10 minutes or so, dough may be sticky. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning dough to grease the top.
  10. Cover bowl with a tea towel and place in a warm, draft free place to rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  11. Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured board.
  12. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
  13. Place each ball into the center of a greased 8-inch round cake pan.
  14. Cover with a tea towel and let rise in a warm, draft free place until doubled in size again about 1 hour.
  15. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until done.
  16. When the bread is nearly done, combine cornstarch and cold water.
  17. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture stats to boil; continue cooking mixture for 1 minute stirring constantly.
  18. As soon as bread is done, brush cornstarch mixture over top of loaves. Return bread to oven and bake 2-3 minutes longer, or until glaze is set.
  19. Remove loaves from pans and cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts
Russian Black Bread
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1671 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Sodium 2500mg109%
Potassium 1849mg53%
Carbohydrates 355g118%
Fiber 52g217%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 53g106%
Vitamin A 1085IU22%
Vitamin C 14.1mg17%
Calcium 382mg38%
Iron 28.2mg157%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Romanian Mămăliga Baked (polenta)

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Romanian Mămăliga baked is a substitute for bread.  It is the national dish of Romania and used to be considered a peasant food however today you will find it on nearly every menu in the finest establishments.  This dish is made with eggs and cheese and a coarse cornmeal.  I baked the dish but it is often cooked on the stove top like polenta.  It goes beautifully with soups and stews.  We enjoyed it thoroughly alongside our  Romanian meatball soup.

Romanian Mamaliga

This Romanian Mămăliga is usually served with a dollop of sour cream on top which I highly recommend.  It is similar to a corn bread but the addition of eggs and cheese is lovely.  I love how peasant foods become delicacies over time.  It seems we all want to go back to our deepest roots for comfort.  This dish is clearly one of those.  I hope you make it and please let me know how you liked it.

Have you ever been to Romania?  Prince Charles has property in Romania and a true fondness for Romania’s  people and beautiful countryside.

Did you know that Nadia Comaneci was the first gymnast in  history to score a perfect 10?  In fact they had to show the score as a one because the scoreboard was never designed for a 10.

If you would like to learn more about this intriguing country of Romania be sure to check out “Our Journey to Romania“.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page may contain affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

Romanian Mamaliga
4.5 from 6 votes
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Romanian Mămăliga Baked (Polenta)

The national dish of Romania is a  lovely side.  Be sure to serve it with a  dollop of sour cream.  It goes perfectly with any stew or soup.

Course Bread
Cuisine Romanian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 341 kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups ground coarse cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • ½ cup shredded feta cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Bring the water and salt to a rapid boil in a large pot.
  2. Turn heat down to simmer and slowly pour in the cornmeal.
  3. Stir constantly for about 20 minutes until you notice the Mamaliga breaks away easily from the side of the pot.
  4. The cooked Mamaliga should be thick enough to stay on a plate by itself.
  5. It could be served just like this, cut into slices with a string. It would be served with sour cream, and feta cheese sometime even a fried egg on top.
  6. For the Baked Mamaliga:
  7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  8. Put half of the porridge into a 7 x 9 greased glass pan.
  9. Pour ½ of the melted butter on top.
  10. Whisk together the 4 eggs and the shredded feta cheese.
  11. Pour over the bottom half, making a layer of egg and cheese in the Mamaliga.
  12. Spread the rest of the Mamaliga on top.
  13. Pour the remaining melted butter over that.
  14. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top becomes lightly browned.
  15. Cut in pieces and serve with sour cream on top.
Nutrition Facts
Romanian Mămăliga Baked (Polenta)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 341 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 41mg14%
Sodium 620mg27%
Potassium 205mg6%
Carbohydrates 39g13%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 410IU8%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 93mg9%
Iron 1.7mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Qatari Khubz Arabi (Arabian Bread)

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Qatari Khubz arabi is Arabian bread that is popular all over the Middle East and Gulf region. I can just imagine the smell of this pillowy bread wafting through the air in the souks of Qatar.  It is surprisingly easy to make and is absolutely scrumptious with the main dish called harees. It is so exciting to see it puff up in the oven.  You can use this bread for just about anything.  You will simply fall in love with it.

A pile of freshly baked Arabian bread

This bread is also used as a utensil in Qatar you break off a piece and use it to scoop up whatever it is your are eating whether it be baba ganoush or machboos.  We used it to scoop up the creamy and delicious main dish we made for Qatar called harees.  Seriously the possibilities are simply endless.  Also because the khubz arabi make a nice pocket similar to a pita, you could use it to also make sandwiches.

Qatari Khubz Arabi is really not hard to make, you just need to plan for some time for the dough to rise and rest about 1 and 3/4 hours before baking.

Have you ever eaten with your hands?  It is customary in many countries and is fun to sit on the floor on some cushions and experience it. You would only use your right hand and it would also be customary to have a hand washing ceremony before and after the meal.

Did you know that Qatar is going to host the FIFA 2022 games?  They are building like crazy to get ready for the big event.  Why not plan a trip to Qatar to see the games. If you can’t make it to the games, why not have a Qatari party and make the whole meal?  Soccer is the worlds most popular sport.  If you would like to learn more about this little country of Qatar, be sure to check out “Our Journey to Qatar“.  There you can learn more about the culture and traditions as well as authentic recipes for their delicious cuisine.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

A pile of freshly baked Arabian bread
5 from 1 vote
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Khubz Arabi (Arabian Bread)

Khubz Arabi is a scrumptious pillowy soft bread that puffs up to make a pocket when you bake it.

Course Bread
Cuisine Qatari
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rising time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 251 kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, pour in the warm water and add in the yeast, stir until the yeast is dissolved.
  2. Add in the salt.
  3. Start gradually adding in the flour and oil while kneading, you want to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Put the dough into a large greased bowl and turn dough to grease all sides.
  5. Cover with a dry tea towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size about 1 ½ hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  7. Punch dough gently
  8. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into smooth balls
  9. Place on a floured work surface and dust tops lightly with flour.
  10. Cover with a dry tea towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
  11. Roll out each ball into a 6-inch diameter circle
  12. Place on greased baking sheets
  13. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread puffs. Do not leave unattended while baking.
  14. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Khubz Arabi (Arabian Bread)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 251 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 586mg25%
Potassium 78mg2%
Carbohydrates 48g16%
Fiber 2g8%
Protein 6g12%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 2.9mg16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sopa Paraguaya (The National dish of Paraguay)

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Sopa Paraguaya as it is called is not a soup at all like the name indicates.  It is much more like bread than soup.  Be sure to check out below how this interesting dish got its name and of course the recipe.

Sopa Paragyaya is a cornbread not a soup a picture of three pieces.

So the story goes that a cook called a machu in the Guarani language was making the then president Don Carlos Antonio Lopez his beloved white soup. On this day, the machu mistakenly added to much corn flour to the mixture.  As it was nearing noon and lunch time she had no time to start from scratch so she made an executive decision.  She poured the mixture into an iron container and cooked it in the tatakua (a rustic Guarani oven made of clay and adobe). When it came out it was a solid soup.  Nervous, she served it anyway and Don Carlos after tasting it, found it very delicious and immediately named it “Sopa Paraguaya”.

Although there are other theories about the name I like this one the best.  This is easy to make and is very good.  Often times poor Paraguayans only eat this as their meal, sometimes a few times in the same day.

Did you know that that sopa paraguya is the national dish of Paraguay?  If you would like to learn more about this little known country be sure to check out “Our Journey to Paraguay” plus get more great authentic Paraguayan recipes.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

Sopa Paraguaya a corn bread with cheese and eggs
4.45 from 9 votes
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Sopa Paraguaya

Sopa Paragauya is not a soup at all but a delicious cheesy corn bread.  A lovely Paraguayan dish you are sure to love.

Course Bread
Cuisine Paraguayan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups corn flour
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 4 Onions white, chopped finely
  • 12 oz. Queso paraguay grated, or as an alternative use 9 oz. mozzarella and 3 oz. grated parmesan
  • 4 Eggs
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

  2. In a skillet cook the onions until translucent, add salt and pepper

  3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until they become foamy.

  4. In a separate bowl, add the corn flour, then the cooked onion and the milk, and mix.

  5. Add the eggs and the cheese grated. Mix well.

  6. Grease a baking dish with oil and pour the mixture in it.

  7. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the surface is golden brown. Poke the sopa paraguaya with a toothpick, it should come out clean.

  8. Let cool and cut into individual pieces.

Omani Bread (Khubz)

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Omani bread is called khubz ragag, it is delicious and different.

It is made with just three simple ingredients,  flour, water and salt.

The dough is made either really sticky or really wet almost like a pancake batter.

The result either way is a super thin and lovely bread that is almost lace-like.

It is cooked on a stainless griddle that is round and quite large over a flame.

If you make the sticky dough, you use the palm of your  hand and simply press the dough until it just barely sticks to the hot pan.  This takes some practice.

Alternatively you can make the dough thinner and pour the  the dough and use a scraper to spread the dough into a circle.  This is the method I used and was happy with the results after a few tries.

In Oman they use a paint chipper to remove the bread from the griddle.

We loved the bread with the beaten rice dish called madrouba.

This bread in Oman is often also served for breakfast with some cheese and egg, or mayo and egg.  I am sure it would be delicious with just about anything.

Omani Bread

5 from 6 votes
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Omani Bread (Khubz)

Course Bread
Cuisine Omani
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings 6 pieces
Calories 151 kcal
Author International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup water +/- depending on how you plan to cook it
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix together the flour and salt and slowly add water.
  2. If you are making the dough to cook by placing the dough on the hot griddle with your palm, make it very sticky,
  3. Alternatively, if you are making the dough to pour and spread, then you want the batter to be thin enough to pour so add more water as needed and combine well.
  4. Heat a hot griddle, to medium high heat. (please note a non stick surface does not work for making this bread, use stainless or cast iron.
  5. Once you make a circle with the dough, use a scraper or paint chipper as soon as the bread crisps on the bottom to loosen and remove.
  6. Remove and serve warm
Nutrition Facts
Omani Bread (Khubz)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 151
% Daily Value*
Sodium 388mg17%
Potassium 44mg1%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Protein 4g8%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 1.9mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Zanzibar Chapati

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Zanzibar chapati is simply delicious! The people of Zanzibar and actually all over Tanzania love Chapati.  It is of Indian origin and is a unleavened bread that is easy to make and absolutely delicious.  It  is often used as a vessel and sponge to eat curry and other wonderful dishes.  I had the pleasure of making Chapati with Mr, Okala and his family in the little village of Jambiani.  Here is the recipe and some pictures from that amazing experience. If you would like to pick up a chapati board and rolling pin you can get one here.

Mixing doughMixing the dough

Rolling Chapati Rolling the dough

Rolling Chapati 2Making the serpentine

Chapati serpentineThe serpentine at rest

cooking chapatiRolling out the dough and cooking the chapati

Sliced Chapati

The finished delicious chapati, Enjoy!

Zanzibar Chapati
 
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Recipe type: Bread
Cuisine: Zanzibar
Serves: 4 chapati
Ingredients
  • 3 cups millet flour or all purpose flour
  • ½ cup +/- water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil plus more for cooking.
Instructions
  1. In a bowl place about 2 cups of flour a bit of water and start mixing with your hand.
  2. Add water as necessary until you get the dough into a ball.
  3. Add about a tablespoon of oil and the salt and knead well for a few minutes.
  4. Once the ball of dough is soft and supple roll it out into a circle about 8 inches round. Add flour as necessary to keep it from sticking
  5. with your fingers make a hole in the middle and as gather up the dough making a round rope.
  6. cut through the rope so you can make a serpentine (see pictures) and tuck the end other.
  7. Add a little oil on top and set aside to rest for about 20 minutes or so.
  8. Get a frying pan hot on the stove and add a bit of oil
  9. Roll out the chapati into another 8 inch circle using flour as necessary to avoid sticking and place into the frying pan.
  10. Cook until brown spots appear on the underside adding oil if necessary and flip over.
  11. Cook until brown spots appear and then remove
  12. Cut into pieces and serve hot, Heaven!

 

 

Moldovan Cornbread

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Moldovan cornbread is a staple although it should not be confused with what is considered to be the national dish called mamaliga.  This cornbread is moist and savory with the addition of cheese and sour cream.  Serve it alone with a slice of feta cheese, sour cream  or alongside a soup or stew.  We enjoyed it paired with Moldova’s hangover cure, a soup called zeama.  Enjoy!

Moldovan Cornbread

Moldovan Cornbread
 
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Recipe type: Bread
Cuisine: Moldovan
Serves: 1 pan
Ingredients
  • 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups yellow stone ground corn meal
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl mix together the cheese, sour cream, eggs, milk and melted butter
  2. Sift in the dry ingredients and stir into the cheese mixture
  3. Mix together well.
  4. Cover and let stand of 15 minutes
  5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  6. Grease a 13x9 rectangular baking pan
  7. Pour the batter into the baking pan
  8. place in oven on middle rack until golden brown, about 35-40 minutes
  9. Serve warm