Name: Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Paraguayan
Ingredients: 1 small Onion, diced; 2 Carrots, diced; 2 stalks Celery, diced; 1 Green Bell Pepper (or red bell pepper), diced; 1 large Tomato, diced; 1 1/2 cups Pumpkin (or Butternut Squash), cubed; 5 cups Vegan “Chicken” Broth; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Oregano; 2 Bay Leaves; 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish); 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 pinch Pepper (or more, to taste); 3 ounces dry Soy Curls; 2 tablespoons neutral Oil (divided); 3 cloves Garlic, crushed; 1 tablespoon Vegan Butter, softened; 1 cup Masa Harina (cornmeal); 1 cup Shredded Vegan Cheese (50/50 blend of Parmesan & Mozzarella), roughly chopped; 1/2 cup Soup Broth (reserved from soup, or more as needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 27 reviews

If you are craving a soul-warming, hearty bowl of comfort that transports you straight to the heart of Paraguay, this Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, cheesy cornmeal dumplings with a rich, vibrant vegetable broth and protein-packed soy curls, it’s an irresistible dish bursting with fresh flavors and textures. Every spoonful offers a beautiful balance of savory and subtle sweetness, making it a standout soup perfect for sharing with loved ones or cozying up on any chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a variety of fresh and dry ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two whole orange carrots placed diagonally near the top left. Near them is a small white plate with two pale yellow rectangular pieces of tofu or butter. Below this is a wooden bowl filled with pale yellow flour or cornmeal. A large clear glass bowl in the center holds a pile of shredded white cheese or a similar ingredient. To the right are three small white plates with dried spices and bay leaves. On the lower left, a clear glass bowl contains small orange cubes, possibly cooked squash or pumpkin. There are two bright red tomatoes with green stems, an onion with a brownish skin, a whole garlic bulb, and three long stalks of celery. On the lower middle right, another clear bowl holds golden brown chunks resembling textured soy or vegan meat. Next to that is a large clear measuring cup filled with a golden yellow liquid. The overall scene is vibrant with orange, green, red, and yellow colors balanced against the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe just right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the hearty vegetables that build the broth’s character to the masa harina which forms the base of those iconic, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings.

Onion (1 small, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and forms a flavorful base for the soup.
Carrots (2, diced): Bring natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Provides a mild crunch and aromatic depth to the broth.
Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Offers a fresh, slightly grassy note that brightens the soup.
Tomato (1 large, diced): Brings acidity and richness to deepen the flavor profile.
Pumpkin or Butternut Squash (1 ½ cups, cubed): Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness, enhancing texture.
Neutral Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): For sautéing, ensuring veggies develop a gentle caramelization.
Dry Soy Curls (3 ounces): A fantastic vegan protein choice that soaks up flavors perfectly.
Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Infuses the broth with a warm, savory kick.
Dried Oregano (1 ½ teaspoons): Elevates the soup with herby, earthy undertones.
Bay Leaves (2): Enhance aroma and depth during the simmering process.
Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon chopped + extra for garnish): Brings brightness and a fresh herbaceous note.
Vegan “Chicken” Broth (5 cups): The liquid heart of the soup, adding body and savory richness.
Masa Harina (1 cup): Essential for making those soft, cheesy dumplings called vori vori.
Shredded Vegan Cheese (1 cup, 50/50 Parmesan & Mozzarella blend, roughly chopped): Melts into the dough for creamy, flavorful bites.
Vegan Butter (1 tablespoon, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the dumpling dough.
Soup Broth (½ cup, or more as needed): Used to bind the masa harina mixture into a pliable dough.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Pepper (pinch, or more to taste): Lends a mild heat that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe

Inside a white pan placed on a stove, there are many pieces of cooked, light brown strips that look soft and slightly crispy on the edges. The strips vary in size and are spread evenly across the flat white surface of the pan, with some slight browning showing in places. The pan has two handles and a bit of the stove surrounding it is visible, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Rehydrate and Sauté Soy Curls

First things first, soak your soy curls in hot vegan chicken or vegetable broth for about 30 minutes until they’re plump and ready to absorb all those wonderful flavors. Once softened, drain and sauté them in a tablespoon of oil until golden and slightly crispy on each side. This process gives them an irresistibly meaty texture that makes this soup so satisfying.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Using the same pot, add your second tablespoon of oil and toss in the diced onions, celery, and oregano. Sauté them gently until the onions turn translucent and the aroma fills your kitchen, around five minutes. To this, add garlic and bell pepper, cooking a little longer so their flavors meld beautifully into the base.

Step 3: Craft the Soup Broth

Next, stir in diced tomatoes and bay leaves followed by carrots and pumpkin cubes for hearty sweetness. Season with a pinch of pepper, then pour in enough vegan “chicken” broth to cover everything. Let it all simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and release their full flavor into the broth.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While your soup simmers, it’s time to create the signature vori vori dumplings. Mix masa harina, shredded vegan cheeses, salt, pepper, and softened vegan butter in a large bowl. Gradually add about ¼ cup of the hot soup broth, mixing well, and then add more as necessary until the dough forms a soft but resilient ball that squeezes together without crumbling or feeling too sticky.

Step 5: Shape and Add Dumplings to the Soup

Roll teaspoons of dough into small balls roughly 1 to 1½ inches across, placing them carefully on a dry plate. When the soup is ready, gently add the dumplings along with the browned soy curls and chopped fresh parsley into the pot. Stir very gently to prevent breaking the dumplings and allow everything to cook over medium-low heat for an additional 15 minutes to let the vori vori soak up the broth’s deliciousness.

How to Serve Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe

Garnishes

A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley over each serving adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbaceous note to this comforting soup. You can also drizzle a bit of good-quality vegan butter on top for extra richness if desired.

Side Dishes

This soup stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with crusty bread or warm corn tortillas to soak up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A crisp green salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s warm, creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the soup in rustic earthenware bowls to embrace its traditional roots visually. You could also add a little twist by topping each bowl with freshly diced avocado or a splash of vegan sour cream for a creamy counterpoint. For gatherings, make individual smaller portions to let everyone enjoy the dumplings and broth in perfect harmony.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture of both the broth and dumplings.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup, but to maintain the texture of the dumplings, it’s best to freeze the broth and soy curls separately from the dumplings if possible. Otherwise, freeze the whole soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if the vori vori have thickened the liquid too much. Avoid high heat to keep the dumplings tender and intact.

FAQs

What are soy curls and can I substitute them?

Soy curls are a dehydrated, whole soy protein product that rehydrates into a chewy, meat-like texture. If you can’t find them, textured vegetable protein (TVP) or diced firm tofu can work as alternatives, though the texture may vary.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since the dumplings are made with masa harina, which is corn-based, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and cheese are gluten-free as well.

Is there a non-vegan version of Vori Vori?

Traditional Paraguayan Vori Vori often includes chicken broth and cheese made from dairy, as well as chicken dumplings. This vegan recipe adapts those flavors beautifully using vegan substitutes while keeping the spirit of the dish alive.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The vori vori dumplings will float to the top and become firm yet tender after simmering about 15 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep them from falling apart.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While the recipe highlights classic vegetables like pumpkin and bell peppers, feel free to add zucchini, corn, or potatoes for your personal twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender.

Final Thoughts

This Vori Vori (Paraguayan Dumpling Soup) Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy hug in a bowl filled with tradition, flavor, and heartfelt comfort. Whether you’re new to Paraguayan cuisine or looking for a fresh vegan dish to warm up chilly days, this recipe delivers on every level. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and savor the magic of its tender dumplings and rich broth with every spoonful.