Pasta Tradition

Between 1880 and 1890, nearly one million immigrants came from Europe to live in Argentina, most from Italy and Spain. Argentina was one of the first countries in Latin America to develop a local pasta industry. The Italians introduced a variety of pasta dishes, including spaghetti and lasagna. Now pasta and pizza are eaten as commonly as beef.

• There are now about 28 major pasta producers in Argentina, producing about 325,000 tonnes per year. Estimated annual per capita consumption is of about 7.9 kilograms.
• The preparation of homemade food is customary in Argentina to celebrate a special occasion, to meet friends, to honor someone, and to show affection. Homemade pasta is often included in this custom.
• Argentine pasta includes a wide variety of dishes ranging from spaghetti, fusiles (fusilli), ñoquis (gnocchi), ravioli, cintas (pasta ribbons), and lasagne to the Argentine-made sorrentinos, agnolottis, canelones (cannelloni), and fettuccine (fetuchini).
• Pasta is extremely common, either simple unadorned pasta with butter or oil, or accompanied by tomato or Béchamel-based sauce.

Food Facts

• Argentine cuisine may be described as a blending of Mediterranean influences with the livestock and agricultural products of Argentina. Argentina is known for beef, and asado (the Argentine barbeque).
• Argentinian people have a reputation for their love of eating. Sunday family dinner is considered the most significant meal of the week and often includes asado or pasta.
• A sweet paste, dulce de leche is another treasured national food, used to fill cakes and pancakes, spread over toasted bread for breakfast, or served with ice cream.
• Northwest Argentinean cuisine, more influenced by native Indians, includes staples like empanadas, Locro stew, and dishes with potatoes and corn.

Fun Facts

• Argentina covers approximately 2,737,000 km2 (1,056,000 m2), and only seven countries in the world are larger by land area than Argentina: Russia, Canada, the United States, China, Brasil, Australia, and India.

• Argentines developed the world’s first artificial heart, mass-produced the first ball point pens, and flew the first helicopter.