Uruguay

Gastronomy of Uruguay

As many of the Latin-American cuisines the Uruguayan gastronomy is influenced by European traditions from Spain, Italy and France. Due to its agriculture the main ingredients are of local production.

A main element of the cuisine of Uruguay is meat, known for its high quality and a traditional dish is the "asado", that consists in a barbecue with different kind of sausages and beef. The asado is also a social event, during meetings among friends and relatives.

Different pies are also very traditional in the Uruguayan cuisine. The "Pastel de Carne" (meat pie), consisting in a pie of chopped meat and other ingredients, such as mashed potatoes, eggs and olives.

Besides the traditional cuisine, many dishes, mostly pasta dishes due to the Italian influence complete a wide offer of culinary plates.

Desserts are often very sweet and among a long list to choose from there is one of the most popular desserts, that can be also found in other South American countries, the "Dulce de Leche" a sweet made of milk and sugar and the "Dulce de membrillo", a sweet quince paste.

The mate tea, made of yerba mate, is the national drink in Uruguay, served in a gourd. Today many Uruguayans have their thermos with hot water, gourd and straw all day with them. Wine is usually served with main courses and festivities.