Take Your BBQ to Another Level – Argentinean Style!
Argentina takes grilling seriously, and the results are delicious proof of it! So this summer, if you’re looking to become the Costa del Sol’s newest grillmaster, we suggest taking a few hints from how they do things across the pond and prepare yourself for some incredible BBQ feasts! We also suggest stocking up on some Argentinian BBQ products, because not only will you be going back for seconds, your friends, family and neighbours are assured to start inviting themselves over to sample your culinary delights!
Grab yourself a snack (you’re going to get hungry reading this!) and read on for our best tips, tricks and techniques to the perfect summer barbecue – Argentinian style!
The best Argentian BBQs start with authentic ingredients
It goes without saying that the best flavour of renowned Argentinian barbecues come from authentic Argentinian products and ingredients. As a leading international supermarket based in Marbella, we are thrilled to now stock Don Gaucho, La Parmesana, Bagley, and other popular Argentinian BBQ brands. From traditional Argentinian drinks like yerba mate, to classic Argentinian barbecue seasonings, must-have chimichurri sauces, desserts, and even Don Gaucho charcoal to ensure you get deliciously authentic Argeninian barbecue flavours that will take your tastebuds straight to the Pampas!
Charcoal grills give the best flavour
Being the grillmaster at an Argentian barbecue is a place of honor, with plenty of grilling secrets passed down from generation to generation. But one not-so-secret piece of knowledge is that when it comes to Argentinian style, cooking over coals is the only way to go. Don Gaucho charcoal available from Leo Foods, is produced from Argentinian Quebracho Blanco wood, the most widely-used wood by Argentinian barbecue professionals. With its careful yet elaborate carbonization process, only a small amount of Don Gaucho charcoal and only 10 minutes is required to heat your barbecue for perfect Argentine barbecue results.
Cook everything slow and steady
Slow and steady is the name of the game when it comes to Argentinian grilling, be it meats or vegetables. Hot coals that maintain a steady temperature and plenty of aromatic smoke, like Don Gaucho carbon, let your meats form a crust that traps in moisture that can’t be beaten for flavour. Some other pro tips when preparing your barbecue: allow your meats to get to room temperature before starting to cook them and never let any foods you’re grilling touch the barbecue flames!
Keep the seasonings simple
A bit of course salt is really all that’s needed to enjoy barbecued meats, vegetables and even fish. But if you’re looking for that little bit extra, while still honoring Argentinian traditional barbecue flavours, pick up some La Parmesana Ají Molido, a subtly spicy ground red chili with a beautiful colour, antioxidant properties, and hints of smoke perfect for grilled meats, sauces, seafood and more. Or, try a pinch of La Parmesana Pizzadobo that makes for incredible grilled chicken, not to mention tasty pizzas and breads that go amazing alongside any barbecue dish! La Parmesana also has a chimichurri seasoning mix that, frankly, can go on anything your heart desires, including grilled, baked, or cold meats, stews, mincemeat and stuffed matambre.
Get yourself some chimichurri sauce
If you’re having an Argentinian barbecue, you must absolutely have chimichurri, and a good one at that! Our Argentinian BBQ product range includes the original Don Gaucho Chimichurri sauce for a classic chimichurri flavour, Don Gaucho Spicy Chimichurri sauce for chimichurri with a kick of spice that will elevate your dishes to a whole new dimension of flavour, and La Parmesana smoked chimichurri sauce to enhance the smokey flavour of your Argentinian barbecue feast.
It’s not just about grill
Barbecues are an all-day affair in Argentina, so expect multiple courses of delicious grilled foods, but don’t forget about the sides, drinks, and desserts to go along with them! Yerba mate is a drink made from the leaves and twigs of the ilex paraguariensis plant and is a must-have addition to any Argentine meal, no matter the occasion. Rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can boost energy, improve mental focus, boost physical performance, protect against infections and boost your immune system, it’s said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the joy of chocolate – no wonder it’s a staple at every Argentinian table! At Leo Foods, we stock favourite brands including Canarias, Unión and CBSE – pick yours up at our cash and carry warehouse in Marbella or add one to your eShop basket today!
And don’t forget to pick up some alfajores or other Argentinian biscuits to serve alongside your yerba mate! At Leo Foods, we stock a wide range of options: Our alfajores, two delicate biscuits filled with a delicious rich, creamy milk caramel (dulce de leche) sauce, are available in white versions (covered with a light coating of exquisite meringue) and chocolate (covered in premium semi-sweet chocolate). Or pick up some Bagley Rumba chocolate sandwich cookies filled with coconut cream that will bring back childhood memories for any Argentinian. We also carry Bagley Chocolina biscuits, or Chocolinas, which are a staple at any Argentine party. Eat them on their own or use them in a delicious dessert like chocotorta. And speaking of desserts, your Argentinian barbecue should most definitely include Don Gaucho Dulce de Leche, based on a traditional Argentine recipe. Try it with pancakes, ice cream, cakes, and (if nobody’s looking!) directly from the pot!
For a simply sensational South American style BBQ, Leo Foods has you covered.
Stop by and visit us in Nueva Campana polígono in Marbella and get your grill on!
