Asado
Often eaten: Usually for lunch or dinner on weekends or special occasions.
Known for: All regions of Argentina
WeekendFamily Gathering
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor (CC BY-SA 2.5)
3 dishes to discover
Food of Argentina
Argentina is famous for its rich and delicious food. From sizzling grilled meats to sweet desserts, this South American country loves flavors that are bold and satisfying! In Argentina, meals are more than just eating food; they're about bringing family and friends together.
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Meal Culture
In Argentina, meals are a time for family and friends to come together, talk, and enjoy delicious food. Many people cook and eat together, especially on weekends.
Eating Etiquette
It's polite to wait until everyone has their food before eating. People often say '¡Buen provecho!' (say it 'bwen pro-VEH-cho'), which means 'Enjoy your meal!', before starting to eat.
When People Eat It
Empanadas
Often eaten: Often as a snack or during parties.
Known for: Traditionally from the Argentine Northwest
SnackParty
Dulce de Leche
Often eaten: Often used for breakfast or as a dessert topping.
Known for: All regions of Argentina
BreakfastDessert
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
AsadoAsado
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 lb (900 g)Beef short ribs or steak
- 2 tbspCoarse salt
- 3 clovesGarlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup (15 g)Fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup (80 ml)Olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml)Red wine vinegar
How to Make It
- 1Make chimichurri: stir together the garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
- 2Sprinkle the beef all over with coarse salt.
- 3Ask a grown-up to heat a grill or grill pan until hot.
- 4Grill the beef for about 5–7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked the way you like.
- 5Let the meat rest for 5 minutes so the juices stay inside.
- 6Slice and spoon the chimichurri on top. Serve with bread.
EmpanadasEmpanadas
Makes 10 empanadasIngredients
- 10 discsEmpanada dough discs (store-bought)
- 1/2 lb (225 g)Ground beef
- 1 onionOnion, chopped
- 1 eggHard-boiled egg, chopped
- 1/4 cup (40 g)Green olives, chopped
- 1 tsp eachPaprika and cumin
- 1 eggEgg, beaten (for brushing)
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the onion in a pan until soft, then add the beef and spices and cook until browned.
- 2Stir in the chopped egg and olives, then let the filling cool.
- 3Spoon a little filling onto each dough disc.
- 4Fold the disc in half and press the edge, then twist or crimp it shut.
- 5Brush the tops with beaten egg and place on a lined baking tray.
- 6Ask a grown-up to bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, until golden.
Dulce de LecheDulce de Leche
Makes about 1 cupIngredients
- 4 cups (950 ml)Whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g)Sugar
- 1/4 tspBaking soda
- 1 tspVanilla
How to Make It
- 1Pour the milk and sugar into a heavy pot and stir.
- 2Ask a grown-up to heat it gently until the sugar melts, then stir in the baking soda.
- 3Let it bubble softly on low heat, stirring often so it does not stick.
- 4Cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it turns thick and golden-brown like caramel.
- 5Stir in the vanilla and let it cool.
- 6Spread it on toast or cookies — a sweet Argentine treat.
Vocabulary
Argentina loves grilling meat just like people love barbecues in the United States, but with special local ways of preparing and enjoying it.
