HISTORY OF THE CUISINE

The history of Argentine cuisine is rich and diverse. As a land that has experienced extensive
immigration through many years, the country has benefited from numerous food influences. The diverse
climate in the region, ranging from subtropical to sub polar, has also helped considerably broaden the
set of ingredients readily available. European settlers are largely responsible for Argentina's cuisine,
mostly the Italians and Spaniards. However, other immigrants such as Germans, the French, Jews and
the British, among others, brought their styles of cooking and national recipes with them. Nevertheless,
indigenous gastronomies derived from groups such as the Quechua, Mapuche, and Guarani have also
played a role; for example, mate is consumed throughout all the country.

GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION

 RELIGION
According to a 2008 CONICET survey on creeds, about 76.5% of Argentines are Roman Catholic,
11.3% religiously indifferent, 9% Protestant (with 7.9% in Pentecostal denominations), 1.2% Jehovah's
Witnesses, and 0.9% Mormons.

FESTIVALS
Being the 8th largest in the world in terms of land size, this multicultural country features a
variety of European cultures and has over time recreated its own unique way of living. This is the reason
why many people will easily associate Argentina with tango and football. Because it had been colonized
by the British, the French, the Spanish and the Italians, the country has been influenced greatly by
almost all corners of the planet except the Far East, and this is clearly manifested through the famous
festivals it celebrates throughout the year. Let’s have a look at some of the top festivals in Argentina
which are celebrated in grandiose ways:

 Tango Buenos Aires Festival

Bringing in close to half a million tourists, the city of Buenos Aires goes into hyper mode every
August, as it hosts the world to the largest Tango festival on earth. In August, couples gear up to
thousands of competitions around the city while novice dancers have the chance to learn how to tango
like the pros. Professionals all over the world fight for prizes and trophies, as the whole city is
entertained with exciting Tango moves.

 Cosquín Folk Festival

In Argentina, January and February are the busiest months when it comes to celebrations by the
locals in Cosquín, with all genres of Folklore dances and songs being celebrated. The common musical
tunes and dance of the ‘Cacerera’ and the ‘Chamame’ are featured commonly in the festival, as the
nine-day event is also crowned with various local cuisines on offer.

 Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia

Vendimia is organized in the month of March, where the grape farmers welcome the world to
Mendoza. During this festival, the people have a fun time as they celebrate the formation of grapes to
wine, after a year-long wait of tirelessly working on the vineyards. This celebration was first initialized in
1963, and has since grown to accommodate shows and concerts, which feature unique servings of wine.
The celebration lasts an entire week so if you love wine, you really can’t miss this festival!
  Carnival

The main event of this great festival takes place in Gualeguaychu. However, the fame of The Carnival
sparks excitement all over the country, so at this time of the year, you can easily spot mini versions of
the same event all over Argentina. This Catholic festival culminates with a climax of a four-day
celebration, crowned with a parade of song and dance at the end of February. Though it cannot match
the famous Carnival atmosphere in Rio de Janerio, the festival has its own unique appeal where locals
celebrate this 2-day national holiday.

 Oktoberfest Festival of Beer

Hailing from Germany, the Argentinean version of the Oktoberfest is a weekend-long festival celebrating
German beer. The festival takes place in Villa General Belgrano, in the hilly region near Cordoba. This
city was founded by the Germans and was chosen to be the venue of the October 12th (usually this
date, give and take) festival. The event takes place annually in the city’s beer garden and hosts a great
number of brewers, ready to showcase their carefully selected products for potential clients and party
people. In addition, those with German heritage will prepare varieties of traditional foods as a way of
celebrating their origins.

HERBS AND SPICES

Cayenne pepper: This red-hot spice is actually very typical and grows in the northern regions. It is used
as one of the bases of chimichurri, and also added to meat empanadas, and other typical dishes
including locro.

Paprika: This Spanish pepper is always present in beef or chicken empanadas, locro, pot roasts and
chicken stews (estofados) and other bodegon specials.

Oregano: Given the history of Italian immigration to the country it should come as no surprise that this
savory herb be a part of the local cuisine. It is used for pizza of course, sprinkled on top of a halved
tomato (a typical side dish) and more importantly for chimichurri.
Bay Leaf: Again the Mediterranean influence makes itself evident in the use of bay leaf in tomato
sauces, slow cook stews and in chimichurri.

Nutmeg: Although less typical, this curious spice is ever present in the typical salsa blanca (white sauce)
that accompanies corn and spinach dishes such as humita empanadas for example. It is also commonly
used in pasta dishes, especially with ricotta fillings.

EQUIPMENT USED
 bowls
 grills
 grinder
 clay pots
 frying pan

AUTHENTIC FOODS IN ARGENTINA

1. Asados - The asado or parrilla (barbecue) is to Argentinians as poutine is to the Canadians or
pizza to the Italians: it’s the country’s staple dish. With asados held in homes around Argentina
every week – rain or shine – and restaurants with parrillas practically every second building in
the capital, you won’t walk far without seeing delicious cuts of meat being grilled over an open
flame.
2. Empanadas- Empanadas are a South American staple but still deserve to take their place on this
list of top Argentina traditional food. Squares of pastry are packed with meat, potato, boiled
eggs and bell peppers to make a typical empanada salteña, while you might even encounter
those with a bit more of a punch, as peppers are sometimes added for spice.
3. Milanesa- Known as “escalope” in the rest of the world, the Argentine milanesa is a similar dish.
A cut of veal or chicken is pounded until thin and then coated in breadcrumbs before it is baked
or fried. Milanesas are usually served with purée (mashed potato), fries, topped with an egg or
cheese sauce.
4. Carbonada- Argentina traditional food typical of the north of the country, carbonada is a hearty
meal that’s mostly served during the winter. Made from meat, potatoes, carrots, peppers and
sweet corn, topped with fruit, such as dried apricots and raisins and cooked over a barbecue in a
hollowed-out pumpkin, this stew yet again proves the country’s love of a parrilla.
5. Locro- A national dish served on May 25 to celebrate Argentina’s May Revolution, this stew is
made from corn, tripe, red chorizo as well as beef or pork. Often other vegetables are tossed in.