Friday December 11, 2020 - Posted by admin

Argentine cuisine: 5 highlights. Argentine cuisine is generous, savory and combines a mixture of various European influences. If you have been to Argentina, you know what we are talking about. Are you planning a (study) trip to Argentina (to learn Spanish?) The following dishes are to consume without moderation! You will enjoy them without a doubt. Read on: Argentine cuisine: 5 highlights.

Asado: Argentina’s national pride

 

 
The Argente barbecue is called “asado”. Asado is a traditional dish and usually includes beef, pork, chicken and sausages. The asado is the most popular social gathering in Argentina; no weekend is complete without it. It is a traditional familia event, not only important for all the Argentinian families but also for national identity. It requires the great skills and experience of the “asador”. Un buen asado is usually prepared with various pieces of beef meat as black pudding, chitterlings, ribs and flank steak. They are cooked on an open fire or grill, called “la parrilla”. Every household in Argentina has one! The food is often accompanied by bread, salads and grilled vegetables. If you are invited to an asado, do not forget to congratulate the chef: “Un aplauso para el asador!”
 

 

Alfajores: do you want an extra dose of sugar?

Argentina is a great choice for a study abroad or a Spanish immersion program. There a different interesting top location to choose from. Our recommendations: the stunning and vibrant capital Buenos Aires, or, for a different more cosy vibe for those who prefer the outdoors: the gateway of Patagonia, the friendly city of Bariloche.

Alfajores are a traditional confection, made with two round biscuits joined together with a mousse, and covered by chocolate or icing sugar. Alfajores come in different flavours and styles, but it basically consists of two cookies with dulce de leche trapped in between. Some are then covered in a glaze of sugar or chocolate. Argentina is the world’s largest consumer of alfajores. You can buy one in any supermarket or kiosk. Guess what the favorite snack of our Spanish students in Argentina is?
Depending on the region, the recipe has some differences but the base always contains flour, sugar, honey and almonds. And, the traditional dulce de leche (see below).
Argentina is probably the world’s largest consumer of alfajores in South America and they are the most common snack for schoolchildren and adults. Two of the most famous brands of Alfarores in Argentina are Cachafaz and Havanna. Don’t have too many of these though, since they contain a lot of calories!
 

 

Dulce de leche: a side for every occasion!

Dulce de leche, literally translated, means “candy of milk”! Dulce de leche is obtained by slowly heating sweetened-milk and sugar to create a product that derives its taste from the caramelisation of the product, changing flavor and color. Dulce de leche is used to flavour candies such as cakes, cookies, ice cream, and pancakes. The average consumption in Argentina is 3 kilos per year, per person! Every year some producers meet and each of them presents their Dulce de Leche, as it would be for wine, the better one wins a medal! If you are in Argentina to learn Spanish, you just have to try dulce de leche!
How to make Dulce de Leche at home? Check out this recipe: Dulce de Leche Casero

Empanadas: How about a tasty snack?

Empanadas are the Argentinian version of the Italian Calzones or the Indian Samosas. The verb “empanar” means “wrapped in bread.” In Argentina, an empanada is a stuffed pastry usually baked or fried. It exists with many flavors and fillings but they are mostly made with chicken or beef, onion, boiled egg, spinach, ham or cheese. They are served as a starter, main course and often as a take-away snack. Where can you get them? At almost every corner, you will find an “empanada shop”! El Noble Repulgue, Gourmet, and Solo Empanadas are 3 chains that sell empanadas, but you can also find them in a lot of bakeries and restaurants!
 

 

Locro: An Argentinian stew!

Read more about Argentina cuisine and the well known Pan de Miga or Choripan (also known as the “Chori”) in our article about the best Latin American streetfood.

Locro is the perfect dish for winter time. In fact it’s often served on May 25 to celebrate the day of the Argentine revolution as it’s a traditional and community plate! This national meal can be compared to a ragout or a thick soup. The main ingredients are the corn, bean, onion and pumpkin. Depending on the region, the meat can vary, fresh beef meat, tripe, or pork ribs. They are cooked separately and added to the vegetables at the end. In the north, a red hot sauce made from red peppers and paprika known as quiquirimichi is served on the side. If you are in a hurry, don’t start to prepare a Locro. This dish is cooked over low heat and for a long time! But you can always go to a “peña” to eat the delicious locro and enjoy traditional dance and music at the same time.

Study Spanish in Argentina Contact team SSLA for more info

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