Now back to beef…I’ve talked about my brother Armen before – he’s the lobster eating food lover. He’s hungry and he eats like an animal – But his number one best quality?! His asados! đŸ˜‰
Now, Armen prepares asados for his family, he makes insane asados for his friends, sometimes just for himself…once he turned on the huge grill just for him an me (and some incredible chicken kebabs). Why do I say ‘turned on the huge grill’ like its a big deal?! Because it is! Our grills don’t run on gas…this is real fire and charcoal people – boy scout kinda thing.
So once you find yourself a willing and talented asador…like Armen…now you just need good quality meat!
I can’t say where he gets his (that’s a big ‘ol secret), I’m lucky he’s even shared it with me…but when this kid gets meat, he goes ALL out!
The asado culture in Argentina isn’t just about the meat though. It’s about a group of family and friends getting together around the grill, talking, eating, drinking, sometimes it takes us to singing and dancing!
There’s cheese in the beginning – usually Provoleta. Choripanes – spiced sausage eaten between toasty soft bread and maybe a bit of chimichurri on top! Molleja y chinchulin – I shouldn’t tell you what this is…but drench it with fresh lemon…yum! Chorizo, queso, nuts, pickles…all this with a good glass of wine or fernet con coca…just to get things started.
Right after comes the meat – trust, you’ll MAKE room for this part of the meal. Tira de asado, vacio and entraña line the table. There’s no explaining the flavors, each asador has a technique and of course, in my opinion Armen’s is perfect!
Once everyone is full, happy and a little tipsy someone shouts out ‘Un aplauso para el asador!’ And we all clap to celebrate Armen, his talent and him feeding us all! =)
InFOODxication 