Paraguayan Tortillas (Payagua Mescada)

Paraguayan tortillas called Payagua mescada is a hearty deep fried fritter that is often served as a meal by itself. It is believed that it originated after the triple alliance war back in the late 1800’s. Food was scarce and so one dish hearty meals became popular. Although this is called a tortilla, it is not what most people consider a tortilla. It is more like the Spanish tortilla which makes sense since Paraguay gained independence from Spain in 1811.