Explore Argentina’s Christmas Food Ideas
Argentina’s Christmas celebrations are a vibrant fusion of European traditions and South American flavors. They create a unique holiday feast that actually reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. Snowflakes and hot cocoa may be the norm elsewhere; in Argentina, that is definitely not the case!
Argentineans celebrate Christmas under the summer sun; thus, the season has the biggest influence on menu choices. So ditch the cooked wine and toast with sparkling, refreshing cocktails! Argentinians made a perfect blend of summer and holidays, so their Christmas food is pretty unique!
Asado – Argentinian BBQ
Asado, aka Argentinian barbecue, is a staple for any big get-together, Christmas included. Grilled meats are a big deal in this cuisine, so you will find many meat varieties here, especially beef and pork. But the real stars of good asado are definitely spices, marinades, and inevitable chimichurri.
Metambre a la Pizza – Pizza on Steak
When you ditch the classic pizza crust and swap it with a large, juicy flank stake, you get this carnivore pizza. Of course, the key is a well-prepared steak, which is usually medium rare. You can go for any topping you fancy, though; check out this recipe for three different ideas!
Argentine Turrón – Meringue and Nutss Confectioners
This dessert originates from Spain, but it is super popular in Argentina, especially during holidays. The dessert has an interesting texture, as decadent meringue melts in your mouth, while various nuts give it the crunchy component. I love the assortment of nuts in this recipe: almonds, pistachios, peanuts, and hazelnuts, so I’m definitely making this the first chance I get!
Chocotorta – Chocolate Cake
This is an absolute classic for Argentinian Christmas dessert. Chocotorta is a multiple-layer cake made with chocolate cookies and caramelized condensed milk – dulce de leche. I adore rich cakes and have never had something like this before, so it is a must-try in my book!
Pollo Relleno Mendocino – Argentintinian Stuffed Chicken
This is a stuffed whole chicken, aka a giant cordon bleu chicken. Thus, you will get layers of goodness: ham, cheese, and roasted peppers, all wrapped into juicy, well-brined chicken. Argentinian roast looks amazing, plus you can make it in advance and serve it cold!
Tomates Rellenos – Stuffed Tomatoes
Because Christmas in Argentina comes in summer, stuffed tomatoes are a staple, refreshing, and light side dish. It is common to stuff them with tuna, mayonnaise, veggies, and herbs. I love this recipe the most because it includes rice instead of tuna, so it is a YES from me!
Tuna Pionono – Tuna Roll Cake
This is the ultimate cold appetizer to serve for the Christmas festivities! It is super simple to whip up; you just need a sheet of pionono or roll cake. Stuff it with anything you fancy – tuna, mayo, red bell peppers, and olives are just a base; roll, slice, and call it a day!
Vitel Toné – Steak in Egg Sauce
Vitel Toné originates from Italy, but it is super popular in Argentina, especially during holidays. The base is a thin slice of veal or beef submerged in a delish, rich sauce made with hard-boiled eggs, tuna, anchovies, mayonnaise, mustard, and capers. The aroma and flavor are rather specific, so if you don’t like this combo, definitely skip it!
Ensalada Rusa
Russian salad is probably the most common side dish Argentineans serve for Christmas dinner. It is a blend of peas, finely diced carrots, potatoes, and hardboiled eggs coated in a mayonnaise-based dressing. It pairs nicely with different meats, which is important because asado (BBQ) is a big deal in Argentina.
Pan Dulce – Panettone
This Italian-inspired treat is extremely popular in Argentina, so it has become a part of the Christmas tradition. You can purchase this sweet bread loaded with nuts and dried fruits anywhere in the holiday season, but there is something special about a homemade one. Check out the recipe – it is so well-explained you can’t mess it up!
Garrapiñadas – Caramelized Nuts
Caramelized nuts, usually peanuts, are a traditional sweet snack served during the holiday season. Coat them in sugar so they have a nice crunchy, golden-brown layer. You can induce it with vanilla or cinnamon to get even more flavor – YUM!
Dearest Chefs, a huge thank you for sharing your amazing recipes and pieces of your rich culture and tradition with us!