A Taste of Argentina

When we first moved to Little Rock in 2011, Cameron was just 3 years old and I had just had our daughter, Grace. We moved into our house and had no furniture! Just boxes of baby things, books, more baby things! We really didn't know anyone but I was excited to explore our neighborhood and meet some new people. We live just down the street from the Little Rock Racquet Club whose baby pool provided a welcome respite from that summer’s July heat. My Arkansas friends know exactly what I mean. My 3 year old waded happily and kicked around the pool, quickly making a new friend. A little girl named Belen. Her mom, Maria, and I struck up a conversation and became fast friends, bonding just as our kiddos did.

One of the most intriguing aspects of our newly made friends was they were originally from Argentina! Spanish was their first language and was spoken often while we were with them. Beyond acquainting us with the language, Maria also introduced me to the delicious cuisine! She would make some of her Argentinian dishes every time her mother came to visit for a month or two. There were a few gems in the crown, such as her homemade empanadas and sweet alfajores. Click the photo below for an empanada recipe with a savory tuna twist.

It was so fun to feel like she was sharing part of Argentina with me. One of my absolute favorites also featured tuna, the tarta de atún. It's like quiche with a twist: egg and tuna baked in a deliciously delicate crust. The other favorite that I continue to make time and time again is the Milanese. My son can eat his weight in this fried beef dish. Thinly sliced eye of round dredged in egg and seasoned breadcrumb then lightly fried. What really makes the dish is the squeeze of lemon just before you take a bite. Delectable and simple to make.

Maria was a great friend to me and I enjoyed sharing her culture and memories of her home. They moved away but we still keep in touch, and I know she’s glad I keep some of her recipes in rotation for family meals.