Food and Recipes from Uruguay
Uruguay is Much more than just asado and Mate!
The cuisine of Uruguay is traditionally based on its European roots, like Mediterranean foods from Italy, Spain and France, but also from countries such as Germany and Russia. Many foods from those countries such as pasta, sausages, and desserts are common in the nation's diet. The Uruguayan barbecue, asado, is one of the most exquisite and famous in the world.
Due to its strong Italian tradition, in Uruguay we find all the famous Italian pasta dishes: ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna, tortellini, fettuccine, cannelloni, fusilli, agnolotti, tagliatelle, capellini, vermicelli, penne rigatti, fagioloni, cellentani, rotini, bucatini, farfalle and the traditional gnocchi. Although the pasta can be served with a lot of sauces, there is one special sauce that was created by Uruguayans. The Caruso Sauce is a pasta sauce made from double cream, meat extract, onions, ham and mushrooms. It is very popular with sorrentinos and agnolotti. Also, we can find a huge variety of pizza. As well as calzone, fugazzetas, figazzas, fainas, and cheese fainas.
Traditional dishes
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Asado: both the tradition of grilling beef over coals (which translates to barbecue in American English), and the dish, "tira de asado" |
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Albondigas de Carne: A tasty rustic-style meatball that can be enjoyed in soups, pastas or by themselves! |
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Chivito: a sandwich containing steak, ham, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and mayonnaise. |
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Choripán: a very popular Uruguayan fast food. A grilled "chorizo" and a crusty bread such as a baguette, with tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise. |
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Empanada : a small pie or turnover, most commonly filled with meat or ham and cheese.(see the recipe) |
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Empanada Gallega: a fish pie, with sauce, onions and green peppers. Brought by the immigrants from Galicia. |
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Gnocchi (known as "ñoquis") is traditionally eaten on the 29th day of each month. This was the day before payday, when people were at their poorest. Gnocchi made a cheap and hearty meal. On these occasions, some people leave a coin or a banknote under the plate to attract prosperity. |
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Milanesa: a thin, breaded steak. There is a great variety, such as: Milanesa Napolitana, Milanesa Rellena and Suprema Maryland. (see the recipe) |
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Pancho: the typically Uruguayan hot dog: a bun called "pan de Viena" filled with a "Frankfurter" with mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise or "salsa golf" on top. |
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Pascualina: a spinach pie, not unlike the spinach pies found throughout the Mediterranean the name makes a reference to Pascua, 'Easter'. |
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Pastel de carne: in English: meat pie. Very similar to Shepherd's Pie - Mashed potatoe pie filled with Chopped meat, green peppers, olives and hard-boiled eggs. |
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Torta de jamon y queso: a pie baked with layers of ham and melted cheese |
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Torta Frita: a typical rainy day snack in Uruguay, Torta Frita is bascially a fried dough eaten by itself or with dulce de leche. A family favorite! (see the recipe) |
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Russian salad: potatoes, carrots, peas and mayonnaise. |
Desserts
Alfajores: shortbread cookies, sandwiched together with Dulce de Leche or a fruit paste.
Bizcochos: buttery flaky pastry with many variants, the croissants being one of the most popular.
Dulce de leche: a sweet treat made of milk and sugar. Is used in many Uruguayan desserts.
Dulce de membrillo: a sweet quince paste.
Budín inglés: in English: "English pudding". A pudding with fruits and nuts, very popular in Christmas and new year's eve.
Flan: is a kind of rich custard dessert with a layer of soft caramel on top. It can be served with Dulce de Leche too (Flan con dulce de leche).
Strudel: the famous apple pie from Germany.
Martín Fierro: a slice of cheese and a slice of quince paste (dulce de membrillo).
Chajá: a dessert with meringue, sponge cake, "Chajá" cream and peaches. It is created by a well know firm in the city of Paysandú.
Pastafrola: an exquisit pie made of quincy paste (dulce de membrillo).
Garrapiñada: a very popular treat, made with peanuts, cocoa, vanilla and sugar. It is sold in little bags in the downtown's streets.
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