Argentine Canastitas, or “little baskets,” are savory pastries filled with various ingredients like cheese, ham, or vegetables. These bite-sized treats are perfect for appetizers or snacks and are often enjoyed at gatherings alongside Argentine asado burgers with provolone and chimichurri. The crispy pastry and flavorful filling make canastitas a delightful part of any meal. Pair them with a no-bake chocotorta for a sweet finish to the meal, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The Argentine Canastitas were a charming highlight of our time in Argentina. These delightful treats featured a delicate pastry shell that was beautifully crisp and golden brown. Each Canastitas – “Little Baskets” was perfectly formed, resembling tiny baskets ready to hold a delectable filling. The visual appeal was complemented by the inviting aroma of baked pastry, which promised a pleasing taste experience.
Inside, the Argentine Canastitas held a variety of savoury or sweet fillings that perfectly matched the light, crisp pastry. The balance between the texture of the pastry and the richness of the filling made each bite enjoyable. The Canastitas – “Little Baskets” were not only visually appealing with their neat, small basket shape but also showcased the skill and attention to detail in their preparation.
These Argentine Canastitas were served warm, with the pastry maintaining its crispness and the filling offering a burst of flavour. The combination of a well-crafted shell and a delicious centre made the Argentine Canastitas – “Little Baskets” a standout dish. They demonstrated how traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients come together to create something both simple and extraordinary.
Ingredients For the Argentine Canastitas Recipe
For the dough:
All-purpose Flour
Salt
Unsalted Butter
Ice Water
For the filling:
Ground Beef
Onion
Red Bell Pepper
Olive Oil
Tomato Paste
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Green Olives
Eggs
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Cooking Instructions For the Argentine Canastitas Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Add ice water and mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness and cut out 3-inch circles. Gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin, forming a small cup.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper in olive oil until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir until combined.
- Spoon the filling mixture into the dough cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Top each cup with chopped olives, chopped hard-boiled egg, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing the canastitas from the muffin tin.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
5 Reasons to Love Argentine Recipes
1. Rich Grilling Tradition
Reason: The art of grilling, or asado, is deeply ingrained in Argentinian culture. The emphasis on high-quality beef and simple seasoning lets the natural flavors shine, making each bite satisfying.
2. Diverse Flavors
Reason: Argentinian cuisine offers a wide variety of flavors, from the tangy chimichurri sauce to the sweet richness of dulce de leche. This diversity means there’s always something new and exciting to taste.
3. Family Atmosphere
Reason: Every dish in Argentina tells a story, reflecting the country’s history and cultural influences. Whether it’s a traditional empanada or a comforting bowl of locro, each meal connects you to the country’s vibrant heritage.
4. Fresh, Local Ingredients
Reason: Argentinian food emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, from the beef to the vegetables used in salads. This focus on quality ensures that each dish is flavorful and nourishing.
5. Community and Family
Reason: Meals in Argentina are more than just about food; they are a way to bring people together. The communal experience of sharing an asado or a family dinner creates strong bonds and lasting memories.
10 Tips for Cooking Traditional Argentinian Recipes
1. Select the Best Beef Cuts
Tip: Choose cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank for traditional Argentinian dishes. Look for well-marbled meat for optimal flavor.
Why: The quality of the beef is crucial in Argentinian cuisine, where grilling (asado) is central. Well-marbled meat ensures tenderness and juiciness.
2. Use Hardwood Charcoal for Grilling
Tip: Opt for hardwood charcoal instead of briquettes when grilling. It burns hotter and imparts a smoky flavor to the meat.
Why: The type of charcoal used can significantly affect the taste of grilled dishes, a key element in Argentinian cooking.
3. Marinate with Simple Ingredients
Tip: Use basic marinades of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs for meats. Avoid overpowering the natural flavor of the meat.
Why: Argentinian cuisine values the natural taste of ingredients. Simple marinades enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.
4. Cook Empanadas with a Golden Crust
Tip: Brush empanadas with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Why: A golden crust not only improves the texture but also adds an appealing visual aspect, making the empanadas more appetizing.
5. Serve Chimichurri as a Condiment
Tip: Prepare chimichurri using fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar, and olive oil. Serve it alongside grilled meats.
Why: Chimichurri is a staple in Argentinian cuisine, complementing the rich flavors of grilled meats with its tangy and herbaceous profile.
6. Cook Milanesa to a Crispy Perfection
Tip: Fry breaded beef or chicken cutlets in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Why: The crispiness of Milanesa is key to its appeal. Proper frying ensures a crunchy exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.
7. Prepare Locro for a Hearty Meal
Tip: Slow-cook a mix of corn, beans, pork, and chorizo for several hours. Season with paprika, cumin, and bay leaves.
Why: Locro is a traditional stew enjoyed during national celebrations, and its long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty dish.
8. Use Fresh Ingredients for Salads
Tip: Include fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and boiled eggs in salads. Dress with olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
Why: Fresh ingredients are essential in Argentinian salads, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast to heavier meat dishes.
9. Achieve the Perfect Dulce de Leche Consistency
Tip: Cook sweetened condensed milk slowly, stirring frequently until it thickens and turns a caramel color.
Why: Dulce de leche is a beloved dessert component in Argentina. Its smooth, rich texture enhances pastries and sweets like alfajores.
10. Serve Wine to Complement the Meal
Tip: Pair Argentinian dishes with Malbec wine, known for its deep flavor and smooth finish.
Why: Wine is a vital part of Argentinian dining culture. A well-chosen wine enhances the dining experience by complementing the flavors of the food.
5 FAQ For the Argentine Canastitas Recipe
Q: What are steaks Argentine Canastitasrecipe?
A: Steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe are small, savoury pastry baskets filled with steak and other ingredients, commonly enjoyed as an appetiser or snack in Argentina.
Q: How do you make steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe?
A: To make steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe, cook steak and combine it with ingredients like onions, peppers, and cheese, then fill pastry dough with the mixture and bake until golden and crispy.
Q: What ingredients are typically used in steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe?
A: Steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe typically include diced steak, onions, peppers, cheese, and sometimes spices, all wrapped in a flaky pastry dough.
Q: Can steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe can be made ahead of time by preparing the filling and assembling the canastitas, then storing them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Q: What do you serve with steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe?
A: Steaks Argentine Canastitas recipe are often served with a side of chimichurri sauce or a light salad, making them a perfect appetiser or snack for a meal.
Argentinian Canastitas
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Mini muffin tin
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup ice water
For the filling:
- ½ lbs. ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup green olives, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Add ice water and mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness and cut out 3-inch circles. Gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin, forming a small cup.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper in olive oil until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir until combined.
- Spoon the filling mixture into the dough cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Top each cup with chopped olives, chopped hard-boiled egg, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing the canastitas from the muffin tin.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
1 comment
Tasty little treats, glad I tried this recipe.
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