Mbeju (Paraguayan Cheese Flatbread)

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(3)

This grain-free Paraguayan cheese flatbread (mbeju) doesn't require any regular flour, which is great news these days. Not only is this flatbread unique and delicious, but it's also super easy — pronouncing it might be the hardest part. Mbeju is best served freshly made. It is generally served with melted butter and a cup of coffee, but I top mine with some chipotle mayo, sliced avocado, fire-roasted red pepper rings, sliced green onion, and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 flatbreads
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 2 cups cassava flour

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes

  • 4 ounces freshly grated mild Cheddar cheese

  • cup cold milk, or more as needed

Directions

  1. Combine cassava flour, salt, cayenne, butter, and Cheddar cheese in a large bowl by rubbing the mixture between your fingertips until it resembles large, coarse crumbs. Drizzle in milk and continue mixing and rubbing with your hands until the mixture resembles very small pebbles and is moist enough to hold together in large clumps when squeezed tightly together; add more milk if needed.

  2. Place a small (6-inch) dry, nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot, about 2 minutes. Transfer in a heaping 1/2 cup cassava mixture or enough to cover the bottom of the pan. The mixture should be 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch deep. Press the top of the mixture down slightly to settle and use a spatula to go around the edges of the mixture, pressing any loose crumbs back into the flatbread.

  3. Cover and cook until the bottom is golden brown, a crust forms under the flatbread, and a spatula can be slid underneath, about 3 minutes. Turn over with a combination of tossing the pan up slightly while flipping with the spatula. You can also place a plate over the pan, then invert the flatbread and slide it back into the pan. Cook the other side until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

311 Calories
14g Fat
40g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 311
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 338mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 6g 11%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 155mg 12%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 42mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.