Horacio Cambeiro · CC BY-SA 3.0So'o josopy (soyo)
so'o josopy («carne apisonada»)
A thick soup of mortar-pounded beef with rice and vegetables, mellow and deeply Paraguayan.
What it is
The beef, ideally rump or chuck, is pounded in a mortar or ground with a little rice into a paste that is dissolved in cold water. Separately, onion, tomato, bell pepper and scallions are sautéed; everything is combined and stirred constantly with a wooden spoon until it boils and thickens. It is finished with oregano and parsley. The result is a comforting cream of beef, perfect for cool days.
Ingredients
History
“Soyo” is the short form of so'o josopy: so'o means “meat” and josopy comes from a word meaning “pounded.” For a long time it was considered food of the poor; today it is served in homes and restaurants across every social class.
Did you know…?
If the meat is boiled in small pieces instead of pounded, it becomes so'o josopy ita'y, a broth that traditional cooks consider less flavorful.
When
Lunch, especially in winter.
Where
Neighborhood eateries, markets and traditional restaurants.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.