Asado

What is Asado?

Asado is a traditional Argentinean-style barbecue dish that originated in the Andalusian region of Spain and was brought to Argentina by Spanish immigrants. It’s a slow-cooked meat feast that’s cooked over an open flame, typically using various types of meats, such as beef, pork, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), chicken, and vegetables.

The word “asado” literally means “roasted” in Spanish, but it also refers to the social gathering and celebration that takes place around the grill. Asado is a staple of Argentinean culture, often served at family gatherings, birthday parties, and special events.

Recipe: Classic Argentinean-Style Asado

Ingredients:

For the meat:

• 2 lbs beef brisket (first cut)
• 1 lb pork shoulder
• 1 lb chorizo sausage
• 1 lb morcilla (blood sausage)
• 1 chicken leg quarter

For the vegetables:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, halved
• 1 large red potato, peeled and sliced

For the marinade:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the meats: In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Add the beef brisket, pork shoulder, chorizo sausage, morcilla, and chicken leg quarter. Mix well to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the grill: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). You can use a gas or charcoal grill, but for an authentic Asado experience, try using a wood-fired grill if possible.
3. Grill the meats: Remove the meats from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the beef brisket and pork shoulder on the grill, away from direct heat. Close the lid and cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
4. Add vegetables and sausages: After 1 hour of grilling the meats, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red potato to the grill. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender.
5. Finish with chorizo and morcilla: Add the chorizo sausage and morcilla to the grill, cooking for about 10-15 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned and crispy.
6. Serve: Once all the meats are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the beef brisket and pork shoulder against the grain. Serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, bread, salad, or rice.

Tips and Variations:

• To add more flavor to your Asado, you can add wood chips like mesquite, applewood, or cherry to the grill.
• Consider using other types of meat, such as short ribs, lamb shanks, or even seafood like shrimp or chorizo-style squid.
• For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meats and focus on grilling a variety of colorful vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious Argentinean-style Asado!

Image model: TurboVisionXL

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