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Cuisine
Having an economy that has livestock
as one of its mainstays, it makes sense that beef plays
a predominant role in Uruguayan cuisine. Uruguayans
probably consume more beef than any other people in the
world. Churrasco (grilled steak) is said to be the
national dish. Parrillada is a beef platter and
considered another national dish. Chivitos are also
popular; they are hot steak sandwiches topped with
bacon, eggs, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Now that
sounds like a mouthful! In any event, one has not
completed the Uruguayan tradition without attending one
of those famous barbeques with an open pit fire.
Uruguayans also serve traditional
Spanish food. Puchero is a meat stew considered a
delicacy. And of course the large Italian influence
yields a myriad of pasta dishes, lasagna and pizza being
Uruguayan favorites. Club sandwiches and spicy sausage
on rolls also claim a place as favorite Uruguayan
snacks.
Uruguay also offers
some awesome seafood including Mussels and many types of
tasty saltwater and fresh water fish.
And TEA! Herbal tea,
known as mate is consumed in mass quantities.
Traditionally, mate was drunk from a gourd through a
silver straw. The gourd was passed around the room for
people to share. In recent times, though, individual
teacups do the trick. Clericó is a popular drink,
containing white wine and fruit juice. Uruguayans are
also fond of mixing white with sparkling wine. Beer
lovers will also find the beer in Uruguay to be pretty
good.
The largest meal of the day is
lunch. Many employees are given a two hour lunch so
that they may return home and have a large home-cooked
meal with their families. Evening meals are typically
lighter. Finally Uruguayans have a sweet tooth. They
MUST take breaks during the day to consume such goodies
as chaja, a sponge cake loaded with jam and cream. |
