If your taste buds are in the mood for something exotic, yet comforting, look no further than Argentina! With its rich culinary traditions, Argentina boasts a fusion of unique flavors that will take you on an exciting gastronomic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice looking to expand your cooking repertoire, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration in these delicious Argentine recipes. Each dish, from succulent meats to creamy desserts, reflects Argentina’s vibrant culture and lifestyle. And don’t worry about calories – we’ve got you covered! So let’s begin our tasty adventure and savor the best of Argentina with these 12 irresistible recipes you can try right now!
#1. Classic Argentine Empanadas (Approximately 280 calories per empanada)
One cannot mention Argentine cuisine without saluting their most famous culinary export, the Empanada. These delightful pastries are a perfect appetizer or snack, filled with a flavorful mix of beef, onions, and spices, encapsulated within a soft, flaky crust.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon salt
- Filling: 1 lb ground beef, 1 large onion (finely chopped), 2 boiled eggs (chopped), 1/2 cup green olives (chopped), 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon cumin, salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
- Combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter, then gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
- For the filling, cook the beef and onion in a pan until the meat is browned. Drain the fat, then add the spices, olives, and eggs. Mix well and let it cool.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Spoon some filling onto each circle, fold it in half, and seal the edges.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
#2. Argentine Asado (Approximately 600 calories per serving)
A beloved Argentine tradition, Asado is more than just a barbecue—it’s a social event. This recipe captures the essence of an Argentine Asado with juicy, flavorful ribs cooked over an open fire, with a tangy chimichurri sauce for that signature Argentine twist.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef ribs
- Salt to taste
- Chimichurri Sauce: 1 cup fresh parsley, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
- Season the ribs generously with salt. Prepare your grill for indirect cooking.
- Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, cover and cook slowly for about 2-3 hours.
- For the chimichurri sauce, combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until well combined.
- Serve the ribs with chimichurri sauce on the side.
Note: Be sure to check back for the next 10 irresistible Argentine recipes for an exciting culinary exploration! We’ll be serving up traditional dishes such as Milanesa, Locro, Provoleta, and more!
#3. Argentine Milanesa (Approximately 500 calories per serving)
Think of Milanesa as Argentina’s answer to the classic breaded and fried meat cutlet. Typically made with beef or chicken, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful – the perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 thin beef or chicken cutlets
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Recipe
- Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with bread crumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry each cutlet until golden brown on both sides. Serve with mashed potatoes or salad.
#4. Argentine Locro (Approximately 350 calories per serving)
Locro is a traditional Argentine stew that is typically served on national holidays. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of complex flavors, combining meats, corn, and other vegetables into a truly delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into pieces
- 1/2 lb white corn
- 2 chorizos, sliced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
- Soak the corn overnight. The next day, drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the chorizos, pork, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add the corn, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Cover with water and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
#5. Provoleta (Approximately 380 calories per serving)
Provoleta is a traditional Argentine dish that features provolone cheese melted to gooey perfection and topped with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a popular appetizer at Argentine asados (barbecues) and pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 round of provolone cheese, about 1/2-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Recipe
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the provolone cheese in a small, shallow, heatproof dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese with oregano and red pepper flakes, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Grill the cheese, in its dish, until it’s bubbling and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Serve hot with bread.
Stay tuned for more exciting Argentine recipes, including scrumptious desserts like Alfajores and Dulce de Leche Pancakes!
#6. Argentine Alfajores (Approximately 120 calories per cookie)
Alfajores are a beloved Argentine dessert that features two buttery cookies sandwiching a layer of sweet and creamy dulce de leche. They’re perfect for a mid-afternoon treat or to end a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Recipe
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Once cool, spread dulce de leche on half the cookies and sandwich with the other half. Roll the edges in shredded coconut.
#7. Dulce de Leche Pancakes (Approximately 400 calories per serving)
Start your day the Argentine way with Dulce de Leche Pancakes! These fluffy pancakes are drizzled with rich dulce de leche and sprinkled with powdered sugar for a decadent breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- Powdered sugar for topping
Recipe
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Heat a pan and pour in 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side.
- Drizzle the pancakes with dulce de leche and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
#8. Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables (Approximately 200 calories per serving)
This Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables recipe is a vibrant and healthy side dish that is bursting with flavor, thanks to the tangy chimichurri sauce. It’s a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 zucchinis, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chimichurri sauce: (recipe as above)
Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Drizzle the vegetables with chimichurri sauce before serving.
#9. Dulce de Leche Flan (Approximately 300 calories per serving)
This Dulce de Leche Flan is a creamy, caramel-topped dessert that is sure to impress. The combination of sweet, creamy flan with the deep, rich flavor of dulce de leche is a match made in dessert heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dulce de leche
Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a pan, melt the sugar until it turns into caramel. Pour this into a flan mold.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs, then add the condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and dulce de leche.
- Pour the mixture into the mold, then bake in a water bath for 1 hour. Let it cool before flipping it onto a plate.
#10. Fugazza (Argentine Onion Pizza) (Approximately 350 calories per serving)
Fugazza is a popular Argentine pizza that’s topped with sweet onions and gooey cheese. It’s a delightful variation on traditional pizza that you’re sure to love.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil, oregano, and salt to taste
Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Stretch out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet.
- Top the dough with a layer of mozzarella, then the sliced onions. Sprinkle with oregano and salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
#11. Argentine Lentil Stew (Approximately 350 calories per serving)
This hearty and nutritious Lentil Stew is a traditional Argentine dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s full of flavor and packed with vegetables and lentils for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
- Rinse the lentils and set aside. Sauté the carrots, onion, and garlic until softened.
- Add the tomatoes, lentils, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover with water and simmer for about 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.
#12. Argentine Choripan (Approximately 500 calories per serving)
Choripan, a tasty sandwich of grilled chorizo on crusty bread, is a beloved street food in Argentina. Topped with chimichurri sauce, this sandwich is an explosion of flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 chorizo sausages
- 4 rolls of crusty bread
- Chimichurri sauce: (recipe as above)
Recipe
- Grill the chorizo sausages until fully cooked.
- Slice the bread rolls in half and grill until toasted.
- Place a chorizo in each bread roll and top with chimichurri sauce.
Now, you have 12 delicious Argentine recipes to try at home. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and savor the best of Argentina!
Top 3 FAQ’s and Answers Argentine Cuisine:
Q1: Where can I find authentic Argentine ingredients like chorizo and dulce de leche?
Many supermarkets carry international foods, but if you’re having trouble finding Argentine ingredients locally, online retailers like Amigofoods offer a wide range of authentic Argentine foods that can be delivered right to your doorstep.
Q2: I’ve never cooked Argentine food before. Is it difficult?
Cooking is a journey, and like any journey, it starts with a single step. Argentine cuisine is diverse and has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook. Start with simpler recipes like the Provoleta or Choripan, then work your way up to more complex dishes like the Asado or Locro. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Q3: What’s the secret to a good Argentine Asado?
Asado is as much about the process as it is about the food. It’s traditionally cooked over wood or charcoal, which gives it a distinct smoky flavor. The key is to cook it slowly and allow the flavors to develop. Also, a good chimichurri sauce is essential for an authentic Asado experience.
And there you have it, folks! Your culinary passport to Argentina, no long-haul flights required! Not only have you ventured through the meaty plains of Asado and swum in the dulce de leche rivers of Flan, but you’ve also navigated the flaky landscapes of Empanadas and scaled the cheesy heights of Provoleta.
We hope this gastronomic journey left you full of good food and even better memories, but hey, why stop here? If these recipes sparked your wanderlust (or rather, wander…taste?), then we have just the thing for you!
Pack your metaphorical bags and join us on a virtual trip through Argentina’s 15 Spectacular Sights and Landmarks. You might not taste the Chimichurri or feel the heat of the Asado, but trust us, your imagination will thank you!
Remember, whether it’s cooking or sightseeing, life is all about exploring new flavors and sights. Now, go out there and cook up a storm, or should we say, a tornado de sabor (tornado of flavor)! After all, isn’t life too short to eat bland food and gaze at dull landscapes?
Happy cooking, happy exploring, and most importantly, buen provecho!
