The typical foods of Uruguay are as rich and diverse as the cultural origin of that country. This is due to the great migratory movement that flowed to Uruguay; This nation received Spaniards and Italians from Europe who preserved many traditions.
These migrants joined the Creole population, descendants of the first Spaniards but with centuries in the territory and with their own cultural features.
In addition, the country preserves some customs of the original indigenous peoples and Africans.
This fusion of cultures in Uruguay impacted on its own identity as a country and its cultural manifestations; among these gastronomy.
Uruguayan gastronomy is determined by its cultural miscegenation in which Italian and Spanish food stands out.
The large livestock (animal husbandry) and dairy production that takes place in Uruguay also influences.
The 5 traditional dishes of Uruguay
1- Roast
Asado is the traditional food in the country to share with friends and families on weekends or to celebrate.
There are places where it is possible to buy it, but Uruguayans prefer to make it at home since each one has a particular recipe.
In most cases, beef is used. However, in rural areas other meats are used.
Roast chicken is also consumed. In restaurants, chicken spit is common, that is, nailed to rods that rotate on the grill.
They are part of the barbecue as companions: blood sausages, chicken gizzards, chinchurrias or chinchulines (pieces of intestine), sausages, among others.
2- Chivito
Chivito is Uruguay's fast food. It consists of a sandwich filled with meat, cheese, ham, lettuce and tomato.
It is garnished with mayonnaise sauce, as well as olives and pickles. French fries are the traditional side of this sandwich.
It is possible to consume goats in street food stalls, cafeterias and other fast food places.
3- Milanesa
This is another meat dish. It consists of a steak or steak that has been breaded or floured and fried.
The Uruguayans are so fond of this dish of Italian origin, that many associate it with fond and family memories. It is almost always accompanied with tomato, lettuce, French fries, bread and mayonnaise sauce.
4- Choripán
It is another favorite dish that is acquired in fast food stalls, although they are also made at home.
It consists of a bread roll stuffed with chorizo to which tomato, onion, lettuce, sauces and other dressings are added.
5- Alfajores
Although it is of Arabic origin, alfajores became popular in Uruguay and also in Argentina.
It consists of two cookies made from wheat flour and cornstarch or cornstarch, joined together by dulce de leche. Currently, the most popular is covered in chocolate.
It is believed that they came to South America thanks to immigrants from Andalusia, a Spanish region influenced by Arab culture.
A market investigation showed that in Uruguay about 10 million alfajores are consumed per month.
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- Alfajores brands expanded the scope. (2017). emphasis. Retrieved November 27, 2017, from alimentacion.en Emphasis.com
- The 10 dishes preferred by Uruguayans. (2017). La República newspaper. Retrieved November 27, 2017, from republica.com.uy
- Pariona, A. (2017). The Culture Of Uruguay. WorldAtlas. Retrieved November 27, 2017, from worldatlas.com
- Uruguay Food, Typical Meals Dishes and Desserts - Comida Tipica. (2017). Southamerica.cl. Retrieved November 27, 2017, from southamerica.cl