Table of Contents
Introduction
Argentina is a country with a rich culinary heritage that reflects its diverse cultural influences. From hearty grilled meats to sweet baked goods, Argentine cuisine offers an abundance of mouthwatering flavors for visitors to discover. This article will provide a gastronomic journey through some of the highlights of traditional Argentine food and drink.
Empanadas
No trip to Argentina would be complete without trying empanadas, the ubiquitous handheld pastries found everywhere from streetside vendors to upscale restaurants. Empanadas trace their origin to the Spanish and Portuguese empadas brought over by colonists, but have evolved into a quintessentially Argentine food. The most common fillings are beef, chicken, ham and cheese, corn, spinach, onions and hard-boiled eggs. However, creative fillings like ceviche, olives, or even dessert fillings like dulce de leche can also be found. The best empanadas have a flaky exterior pastry shell that envelops the savory interior filling. Every region has its own twist, but no matter where you travel in Argentina, you can always find these addictively tasty pockets of pastry perfection.
Asado
The art of asado, or Argentinian barbecue, is an integral part of the country’s culture and heritage. Asado involves grilling various cuts of meat over open flames, most commonly different types of beef but also sausages or offal, until lightly charred and juicy. Top-notch asado relies on high-quality free-range beef, the skill of the asador (grill master), and flavorful chimichurri sauce. Chimichurri is a bright green uncooked sauce made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and chili flakes that perfectly complements the grilled meats. Asado is a social experience, with family and friends gathering together to enjoy the feast. The asador patiently tends the fire and meats while others relax, converse and savor the culinary tradition passed down for generations.
Dulce de Leche
The sweet, caramel-like spread dulce de leche is another iconic Argentine treat with roots going back centuries. Legend has it that dulce de leche originated when milk was accidentally boiled long enough to reduce down to a luscious, golden concentrate. Today it’s made by slowly heating sweetened milk, resulting in a smooth, creamy confection with notes of toasted sugar and vanilla. Dollops of dulce de leche are served with everything from breakfast toast to cakes and ice cream. For an authentic experience, try alfajores, round shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche, or visit a heladeria for dulce de leche flavored gelato. You’ll find sweet reminders of this nostalgic specialty throughout your culinary travels in Argentina.
Malbec Wine
As a fitting complement to steaks and asado, Argentina is deservedly famous for its iconic Malbec wines. The Malbec grape originated in France but has found its ideal home in the high-altitude wine regions of western Argentina. Here the intense sunlight and wide day-night temperature swings allow the grapes to fully ripen while retaining vibrant acidity. Argentine Malbec is inky purple in color with flavors of dark fruit, spices, and sometimes earthy, herbal notes. The best Malbec wines come from Mendoza, though the vineyards of Salta and Patagonia also produce quality Malbec. Sip local Malbec with a juicy cut of grilled beef and you’ll soon understand why it’s Argentina’s signature varietal.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is the quintessential social beverage in Argentina. Groups of friends pass around a hollow gourd or cup, sipping the tea-like mate through a metal straw. The ritual of preparing and sharing mate dates back centuries with influences from indigenous Guarani culture. To prepare mate, dried yerba mate leaves are placed in the cup, hot water (not boiling) is poured in, and the drinker sips the infusion. Drinking mate provides a burst of caffeine along with antioxidants and vitamins. Accepting an invitation to share mate is a time-honored way to make local connections. Taste this bitter, grassy national drink to appreciate an integral part of Argentine heritage.
Alfajores
These delightful sandwich cookies provide the perfect sweet ending to any Argentine meal. Alfajores consist of two buttery, crumbling cookies joined together with jam or dulce de leche filling and coated in powdered sugar. The recipe was brought over from Spain and evolved over centuries into the modern alfajor. Artisanal alfajor bakeries create gourmet versions with chocolate, fruit preserves, or specialty ingredients like red wine jam or pistachio dulce de leche. Treat yourself to a box of alfajores to sample an assortment of flavors and see why they’re an ever-present part of Argentina’s culinary landscape.
Regional Specialties
Each region of Argentina offers its own spin on classic dishes along with unique regional specialties. Heading south, Patagonia is known for lamb and seafood like grilled trout, king crab, and Centolla (spider crab). Lake district cities like Bariloche have strong Swiss and German influences noticeable in chocolate confections and popular breweries. Northwest regions emphasize empanadas filled with humita (sweet creamed corn) and locro, a hearty corn, meat and bean stew. Wherever your explorations take you, savoring regional food and wine allows you to taste Argentina’s diversity.
Conclusion
From the humble empanada to elaborate asado feasts, Argentina offers an appealing diversity of flavors for food-focused travelers. Grilled meats, rich Malbec, decadent dulce de leche, and social rituals like yerba mate are just a few highlights of the country’s robust culinary traditions. Exploring bustling city restaurants and local markets, wineries, breweries, cheesemakers and more provides opportunities to experience authentic Argentine cuisine and culture. The flavors of this passionate food country offer a delicious way to connect with its history, land and people.
FAQs
What are some typical main dishes in Argentina?
Some typical main dishes in Argentina include asado (grilled meats like steak, ribs, chorizo), empanadas (stuffed pastries), locro (hearty corn and meat stew), milanesas (breaded meat cutlets), and Patagonian lamb.
What do Argentines typically eat for breakfast?
A typical Argentine breakfast includes coffee or yerba mate along with bread, croissants, or pastries like medialunas (small sweet rolls). Eggs, ham and cheese sandwiches, and dulce de leche with toast or pancakes are also common breakfast items.
What are some key ingredients and foods in Argentine cuisine?
Key ingredients and foods in Argentine cuisine include beef, lamb, corn, wheat for bread, Italian influences like pasta and pizza, Spanish contributions like olives and alfajores cookies, dulce de leche, mate, Malbec wine, and fruits like peaches.
What is chimichurri sauce usually served with?
Chimichurri sauce is traditionally served with grilled meats, especially beef. The parsley-based green sauce adds flavor and moisture that perfectly complements steaks, ribs, chorizo and other meats cooked over an open flame asado-style.
Where can you find the best empanadas in Argentina?
Some of the best places to find empanadas in Argentina are local hole-in-the-wall shops and stands in Buenos Aires, Salta, and Córdoba. Also try empanadas at restaurants that allow you to build your own combination of fillings.