Exploring Argentine Cuisine On a World-Class Adventure

Empanadas are a staple across many Latin cultures, but in Argentina, they have been elevated to an almost sacred ritual. These savory pastries are enjoyed during various social settings, from family gatherings to celebrations, and are even a popular street food for busy, on-the-go people. The versatility and ease of preparation make them a favorite for both quick lunches and elaborate meals, and this hallmark of Argentine cuisine is often a tradition passed down through generations.

What Is an Empanada?

Empanadas are everywhere in Argentina – from the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires to simple rural kitchens. But what sets these savory pastries apart from other forms of Argentine cuisine? At their most basic, empanadas are fried or baked pastries shaped like a crescent moon. Traditionally, empanadas are filled with a protein such as beef, chicken, pork, tuna, or seafood, with other fillings like potatoes, vegetables, and cheese added for variety. Occasionally, you will find sweet empanadas that contain fruit or a dessert-like filling. Although pre-made empanadas are sold in grocery stores across the country, making authentic empanadas is a true art form, and the result is worth it!

The History of Argentine Savory Pastries

Argentinian empanadas, a beloved culinary tradition, trace their roots back to the Iberian Peninsula. These savory pastries were brought to the Americas by Spanish colonists, but were later adapted to local ingredients and regional preferences, evolving into the diverse variations seen today.

• Pre-Columbian roots: The concept of filling bread with meat or vegetables for travel or preservation existed in various ancient cultures, including the Persian Empire.
• Spanish Adaptation: The Spaniards adapted these ancient cooking practices, and by the 1520s, were using the term “empanada” to describe stuffed pies. The term even appears in cookbooks from this era to explain the savory delicacy.
• Iberian Peninsula: Both Galicia and Portugal are credited as key areas for empanada development, with the Spanish Moors also playing a role in their evolution and spread across the Americas.
• Colonial Period: Spanish colonizers brought the empanada to Argentina in the 16th century.

What makes Argentine Empanadas Different?

How are Argentinian empanadas different from those found in other Latin countries? Argentinian empanadas are typically flour-based, which can differ from other South American countries where the empanada may be corn-based. They are typically filled with savory ingredients and may be either baked or fried, although some sweet dessert variations do exist.

The Role of Empanadas in Argentine Cuisine

Empanadas are a very important and integral part of Argentine cuisine. These savory pastries are considered a staple food, enjoyed in various forms and regions across the country. Each region has its signature empanada style, and they are popular as both a fast and filling meal on the go, and as a part of celebrations and gatherings. Here's why empanadas are so important in Argentina:

• Cultural Identity: Empanadas are more than just a dish; they are a symbol of Argentina's rich culinary heritage and cultural identity.
• Regional Variations: Each region of Argentina has its distinct style of empanadas, with variations in dough, fillings, and cooking methods.
• Popularity: They are a favorite among Argentinians, enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or even a meal on their own.
• Portability: Empanadas are easy to eat on the go, making them a perfect choice for working lunches or picnics.
• Versatility: They can be baked or fried, and come in a wide array of fillings, including beef, chicken, ham, cheese, and vegetables.
• Culinary Tradition: The repulgue (the traditional decorative edging of an empanada) is a culinary tradition passed down through generations.

Empanadas and Etiquette: How to Eat an Argentinian Empanada

Through most of modern history, empanadas were a popular and affordable meal for working people – easy to carry and store. However, over time, empanadas became an emblem of Argentine cuisine and are now enjoyed as a snack, a meal, or a key part of social gatherings. But did you know these savory pastries have a social etiquette of their own? That’s right – there’s a right way to indulge in these delicious morsels if you want to stay on the good side of your Argentinian host!

Empanada Etiquette	Empanada How-to
Empanadas are finger food!	Empanadas were developed to be eaten on the go – the whole idea of an empanada is to be able to eat the pastry with your fingers, without getting your fingers dirty or sticky.
Proceed cautiously!	Hold your empanada by one tip and cautiously bite off the other tip. This is important, because if the savory pastry is hot, a puff of steam with spurt out and burn you.
Use your napkin.	Wrap your napkin around your wrist so that the empanada’s fillings do not run down your arm and burn you, or stain your clothing.
Enjoy on the go!	While empanadas can be enjoyed anywhere and anytime, they taste better outside – and better yet, standing up at an Estancia.
Don’t forget the wine.	Empanadas are best washed down with a nice glass of Argentinian red wine.
How many is too many?	It is considered polite to eat only 3-4 empanadas per sitting, so proceed with caution! You don’t want to overindulge on this savory pastry.

Savor the Variety: Empanada Fillings

Argentinian empanadas range from the most basic to the most erudite. The basic empanada, found almost in every region of the country, is the carne empanada. This variety is made from ground beef. Also readily available is the pollo empanada, made with chicken and mixed with onions, potatoes, and vegetables. However, you can also find Carne corados a cuchillo, an empanada made with premium beef cuts; gallina casera, organic free-range chicken empanadas; empanadas de choco, or corn empanadas for the vegetarians; and Arabes, an empanada with a flavor profile that mimics that of Middle East cuisine. No matter which of the savory pastries you choose, you’re sure to be satisfied!

Discover the Unique Flavors of Argentina with Gondwana Ecotours

There’s no better way to discover a country than to explore its culinary wonders. Plan your trip to Argentina with Gondwana Ecotours today, and explore the sultry flavors of this Central American paradise. From Argentine cuisine like the robust asado to piquant chimichurri, there’s a spicy surprise for everyone! Eat your fill of empanadas on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Gondwana’s guides today.