Argentina cuisine

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Argentine Cuisine Argentina Food

Most Argentine cooking had origins elsewhere, with Spain and Italy being the most dominant influences. We also have a lot of South American food, which originated in the Andean Highlands of Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay.

Only three dishes we eat in Buenos Aires were created here. One is the Caramel Apple Pancake. I have searched all over the world and not found this dessert anyplace else. Another original is Revuelto Gramajo, eggs scrambled with crisp potatoes, ham and chicken. The third one is the Milanesa Napolitana, a breaded veal cutlet with a slice of cheese and ham covered with tomato sauce and put in the oven until the cheese melts. It was created in the Napoli restaurant in Buenos Aires, by mistake, by the owner.

Argentina is, of course, famous for its steaks and other grilled meats. Our parrilla stems from the Incan barbacoa. The Incas roasted their meat on green branches placed above hot rocks or coals, though they had no trademark on this. Roast meat is probably the first hot meal any human had anywhere on earth. Argentine beef is lower in fat and cholesterol and has a special flavor since our cattle walk around and feed naturally on the range.

The cuisine category requiring the most explanation is Porteño. This is a term that is becoming very popular locally, though even a lot of porteños don't know what it means. Basically, it means classic European cuisine with a local touch. Of course what is considered French or Italian here probably would mystify a visiting Frenchman or Italian. This is not to say that the food is bad, just different.

Although we are almost daily surrendering our privileges to the pressures of commerce and profit, Argentine food still retains a good deal of authenticity. By that I mean that many foods, especially vegetables, are natural. A tomato may not be as perfectly shaped and coloured as a hothouse, artificially-forced sample, but it tastes of tomato which, to me, is far more important. However, in the cities especially, pre-packaged, vitamin-added, pre-cooked or frozen foods are becoming ever more prevalent and - sad to say - popular.

Outside influences are also noted in eating styles. Fast-food is now an integrated part of city life and hamburgers are challenging - and in some areas usurping - the reign of our national (sacred) steak. Our daily diet is distinguished by the overwhelming predominance of beef followed by a strong dose of pasta and pizza. Only very recently, thanks to the fact that Argentines have taken to travelling abroad, have new types of cuisine begun to be known and accepted.


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