My First Asado

One of the most defining aspects of Argentine culture is that of the Asado. The Asado is the Argentine art form of what we Americans would call a barbeque. I call it an "art" because for the people of Argentina cooking their meat is a refined process that must be done in a very specific way.

According to the Argentines a proper asado would entail . . .

*Beginning the fire at least one hour before*
*The use of a special wood*
*(the idea of using charcoal or lighter fluid is a barbequing faux pas)*

*The wood is lit in one corner of the cooking area and later, when heated, spread evenly beneath the grill. I was given this special task*

*Chorizo – pig intestines**A decorative salad to accompany the meat*

*Good friends*

*In addition to all the meat and salad, our particular asado also included 3 desserts: flan, chocolate cake and 7 tubs of ice cream – all of which were quickly consumed! They known how to eat here!*