What to eat in Catamarca, typical dishes

Knowing what to eat at your destination is important, especially if we travel with children. They may not like any of the typical dishes of the place and you should look for other options. No biggie! Although Catamarca’s gastronomy is not very famous or recognized, it has a lot to contribute to Argentine cuisine. Not only delicious, but also varied and perfect to please all palates; including the most demanding.

In fact, it’s said that a trip to the province of Catamarca is not complete if you do not try its culinary specialties. To give you a more accurate reference we bring you a list of the “must-haves” of the place and its ingredients. Sweet or salty? There’s something for everyone, let’s see:

BUSECA, POWERFUL STEW

Typical dish of the province that you cannot miss. We are talking about a stew of mondongo, bacon, red chorizo and some vegetables, perfect for recharging energies. It’s a powerful and caloric dish, ideal to face the coldest days. It’s usually served in casseroles that retain their heat till the last bite.

GAZNATES, IRRESISTIBLE SWEET

Gaznates are irresistible catamarans sweets. It’s a type of cone which dough is prepared with eggs, flour and a touch of anise. They are stuffed with sweet milk and, if that were not enough, have a special coverage: an egg glaze, impalpable sugar and lemon. How to refuse? One won’t be enough.

JIGOTE CATAMARQUEÑO

Delicious salty dish. It consists of minced meat with onion, chard, potato, egg, cheese and special seasonings for a special flavor. The Jigote is originally from the department of Bethlehem. Not in vain in this city of Catamarca is celebrated –every January– the National Festival of the Jigote! So if you pass through Bethlehem in direction to the Shincal, be sure to try this dish. Nothing more awesome than tasting the Jigote in its original place.

RESCOLDO OMELETTES

Prepared with flour, melted pella fat, brine, chorizo and corn, they are delicious and perfect to accompany other meals, which means that yes, you can get more than one dish. Tortillas Rescoldo closely resemble stuffed breads. If you are wondering what to eat in Catamarca, we recommend this typical dish.

EMPANADA CATAMARQUEÑA

Famous among the rest of the Argentinians, the catamaran empanada is made with flour, baking powder, eggs, sugar, pella fat and brine. The special touch is given by the filling: potatoes cut in square (previously boiled), minced or cut meat (to knife) in small pieces, chopped onions, hard-boiled eggs, garlic, raisin, green olives, salt, ground chili pepper, salt to taste, pepper, pella fat and broth.

ROSQUETES, ANISEED CANDY

They are small rosquitas, similar to the shape of a doughnut, which stand out for their unmistakable flavor of anise, its main ingredient. The roasts are made with flour, egg yolks, milk, yeast, vanilla, sugar butter and egg whites with impalpable sugar for topping.

LOCRO HEAVY PLATE!

Another meal that can be very famous for Argentines but a novelty for foreigners. This catamaran recipe can vary from some of the traditional ones, as it includes: green onion, two black onions, common onion and, over its top, red sausages, white corn, beans, paprika, salt, and pork breast.

HUMITA AL PLATO

This is one of the most famous dishes of Catamarca, ideal for eating warm. It can be taken as an entrance or as a main course. Its main ingredient is choclo or corn. However, the humita also includes: black cuts, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, oil, green onion, milk, water, creamy cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

PATA CHEESE

Despite the name of this cheese, there is no leg included in the ingredients. It consists of: grated cheese (of course!), onion, minced garlic, eggs, parsley, peas, green pepper and salt to taste. A delight to eat in Catamarca.

EL MOTE

El Mote is one of the most renowned dishes of the province and one of the must-see dishes of Catamarca. Its ingredients are: corn (preferably ground), minced or knife-cut meat, chopped onion, beans, meat broth, chopped tomato and ground chili pepper. The nickname, like Jigote, originates from Bethlehem’s department, so it’s another dish you can’t help but try if you visit the Shincal.

DUNGEONS

Another of the sweet dishes typical of Catamarca are the Dungeons. They are cold-serving bites that can optionally be added honey or sweet milk (highly recommended), as ingredients: white corn, water, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla essence, milk and baking soda.

CABRITO CASSEROLE

La Cazuela de Cabrito is ideal for colder nights, especially when visiting destinations in height or winter. It’s usually prepared with garlic, goat (of course!), spicy paprika, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, red wine, oregano, olive oil, onion, tomatoes, black pepper, vegetable broth, potatoes and salt.

TAMALES, SNACK OR DINNER

One of the tastiest dishes characteristic of the province of Catamarca. Tamales are ideal for eating between meals as a snack or at dinner, as a ticket or main course accompanying something else. The main ingredients of Tamales are corianito, green onion, oil, cumin, spicy chili pepper, pork, beef, paprika, meat broth, salt to taste, cornmeal, raisins and eggs.

CANDIED NUTS

The Candied Nuts are delicious balls of whole walnuts (in the center of the ball) surrounded by homemade milk candy and coated all by a glaze that is prepared with impalpable sugar and lemon. Although the origin of the Candied Nuts is quite discussed, it’s believed that the former were made in Tinogasta and then the recipe was replicated in the province till it reached Salta, where they also tend to eat this delight.

There is no doubt, this province of the Semi-Arid Region has much to contribute to Argentine gastronomy and you can taste it in any of its corners. Remember that in addition to 10 best restaurants in Catamarca, , there are excursions and hotels that include food.Contact our travel specialists  and consult all about it. You know what to eat in Catamarca, a delicious adventure awaits you!