Christmas Antipasto in Argentina
Among the many dishes that make a Christmas appearance, Vitel Tonné stands out as the undisputed star.
Christmas in Argentina is not what you expect it to be.
When it comes to Christmas in Argentina, stop thinking about the traditional snow-capped buildings and traditional Christmas dinners, including turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Argentina, during the holidays, doesn't follow all the popular traditions of the northern hemisphere. In this article, I will share one of the top dishes people enjoy in this remote country in the south of the American continent.
A South American Spin on Christmas
If there's one thing that defines Argentinians, it's their commitment to traditions. Christmas is synonymous with a lengthy table, the entire family coming together, exchanging gifts, and indulging in the customary Christmas Eve dishes, which often last until noon on the 25th.
Considering the climate is crucial when planning the Christmas menu. Temperatures as high as 30°-35°C are not unusual at this time of the year in a large part of the country. Combine this with hearty, hot, heavy meals, and it's a recipe for disaster. That is why cold dishes play an important role among the traditional Christmas foods and are usually the preferred choice.
So, what's on the menu? Argentinians relish cold foods, grilled meats, sweet cakes, and other treats. Beyond the food, Christmas is a cherished time for family reunions and a well-deserved break from the daily grind. Families gather, sharing a generous array of dishes prepared for the occasion, with leftovers sustaining them for days to come.
The land of barbeque celebrates the holidays with cold meat
Among the many dishes that make a Christmas appearance, Vitel Tonné stands out as the undisputed star. This cold meat dish, known initially as Vitello Tonnato, hails from Piedmont, Italy. Traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, it's a beloved main course in Italian summer meals or a sophisticated antipasto at formal dinners.
For those not high-end cuisine chefs, an antipasto is the first course of a formal Italian meal, usually comprising small, bite-sized portions served on a platter for everyone to share. Its purpose? To whet the appetite for the feast to come.
While its status as an Italian staple is debatable, Vitel Tonné has undeniably become a holiday favorite in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, thanks to the waves of Italian immigrants who arrived on the continent in the early 20th century.
A recipe passed down through generations
The classic Vitel Tonné recipe calls for thinly sliced veal (peceto), topped with a creamy sauce made from anchovies, tuna, mayonnaise, and capers. The veal is usually poached, thinly sliced, and then generously coated with a flavorful sauce. This combination of savory flavors creates a unique and delicious dish perfectly suited to the hot holiday weather. Although it's not a typical year-round dish, it's eagerly anticipated during the holidays.
And it makes sense. Food, just like music, has a simple fundamental truth: pleasure is half anticipation, half blissful memory. We look forward to pleasure; we look back on it. The moment of pleasure itself is over in an instant, like the meal grandma prepares for Christmas dinner. Just as every Argentine claims some Italian ancestry, so does every family boast its secret recipe for Vitel Tonné, handed down through generations. Each cook adds their personal touch, confident that their version is the best.
The price tag of tradition: Vitel Tonné by the numbers
Let's break it down. Assuming that 7 out of 10 Argentines enjoy at least one serving of Vitel Tonné this holiday season, and the average serving is between 150 and 200 grams, that's an estimated 5,500 tons of the dish. This translates to roughly 3,800 tons of meat, amounting to a retail value of about 30 million USD - not counting the sauce and other ingredients.
The heart of the celebration
As Christmas Eve draws near, dinner preparation becomes a cherished ritual in Argentine households. The kitchen transforms into a bustling hub of activity, with family members working together to set the table.
Beyond its delightful taste, Vitel tonné symbolizes more than just a meal; it represents many Argentine families' heritage and shared history. It's a dish that brings people together, sparking conversations about old memories and creating new ones.
As you gather around the table this Christmas, whether in the sweltering heat of Buenos Aires or the cooler climes of the Andes, remember that the heart of the celebration lies not just in the food but in the company of those you cherish — even that obnoxious brother-in-law. The true spirit of Christmas in Argentina is found in the laughter, the shared stories, and the enduring traditions that bind generations. So, raise a glass, savor the flavors, and embrace the warmth of family and tradition that make this festive season truly special.
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