Empanadas are one of the most cherished dishes in Argentina. These savory pastries, filled with beef, chicken, ham, cheese, or vegetables, feature prominently in gatherings, street food markets, and family dinners. But while the empanada itself is delicious, the sides and beverages that accompany it truly enhance the experience.
In this article, we’ll explore what Argentines traditionally eat and drink with empanadas, offering delicious pairings that elevate these tasty pastries. Whether you’re planning to serve empanadas at home or want to learn more about Argentine food culture, this guide introduces the must-have accompaniments.
A Cultural Introduction to Empanadas in Argentina
Empanadas have a long history in Argentina’s food culture. Spanish colonists introduced them to the country, but they evolved into a unique Argentine dish over time. Today, you can find empanadas in nearly every region of Argentina, with each area adding its own twist.
In Salta, for example, locals typically fill empanadas with ground beef, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, fillings like ham and cheese, spinach, and chicken are more common. Regardless of where you are, Argentines enjoy their empanadas with a variety of side dishes and drinks.
Empanadas serve multiple purposes — as appetizers, main courses, or snacks. Whether served at family dinners, street festivals, or picnics, empanadas rarely come without some form of accompaniment. So, the question remains: “What do Argentines eat with empanadas?” The answer is both simple and diverse.
Traditional Sides Served with Empanadas
Although empanadas are delicious by themselves, the sides that accompany them add another layer of flavor. Argentines love to pair them with sauces, salads, and heartier sides that create a balanced meal.
Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is one of the most iconic sauces in Argentina. Made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and sometimes red pepper flakes, chimichurri adds a bold, herbal flavor to empanadas. Argentines especially enjoy chimichurri with beef empanadas because its acidity complements the richness of the meat.
Families often make their own chimichurri, tweaking the ingredients to their preference. However, you can easily find pre-made versions in supermarkets or markets across Argentina. For a homemade version, try this authentic chimichurri recipe.
Salsa Criolla
Salsa criolla is another common side that accompanies empanadas. This chunky salsa consists of diced tomatoes, onions, red bell peppers, and vinegar. Its fresh, tangy flavor balances the richness of empanada fillings like chicken and ham.
Salsa criolla frequently appears at Argentine tables, particularly during family meals. It’s easy to prepare at home and can be customized with a pinch of salt or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Simple Salads
Many Argentines enjoy eating empanadas with a light salad. The most common option is a basic salad made from lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, dressed with olive oil and vinegar. This salad provides a refreshing and light contrast to the heavier empanadas, offering a crisp texture to complement the flaky pastry.
In addition to lettuce salads, some Argentines include ingredients like avocado or cucumbers to add variety. These salads are quick to prepare, making them perfect for simple meals with empanadas.
Russian Salad
For something heartier, Russian salad is a popular side dish. Known locally as “ensalada rusa,” this salad contains potatoes, peas, carrots, and mayonnaise. The creamy texture of Russian salad pairs well with empanadas, particularly those filled with lighter ingredients like ham or chicken.
Russian salad commonly appears at Argentine family gatherings and complements not just empanadas but also grilled meats and other traditional dishes.
Mashed Pumpkin
In regions like Mendoza and Patagonia, people often serve empanadas with puré de calabaza or mashed pumpkin. The creamy, earthy flavor of the pumpkin balances both meat and vegetarian empanadas. Many enjoy this dish, especially during colder months, for the comforting warmth it adds to the meal.
Mashed pumpkin also pairs wonderfully with Argentine wine, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Hearty Sides for a Filling Meal
For a more substantial meal, Argentines often serve empanadas with hearty sides. These dishes transform empanadas into a filling lunch or dinner.
French Fries or Potato Wedges
Though it may surprise some, French fries or potato wedges are popular accompaniments to empanadas. You’ll often see them at casual family meals or street food stands. The salty, crispy fries contrast perfectly with the soft, flaky pastry of empanadas.
Some prefer to season potato wedges with herbs or spices for added flavor. Whether baked or roasted, these potato sides complement any variety of empanada.
Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier option, many Argentines serve roasted vegetables with their empanadas. Vegetables like squash, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots are typically roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. These flavorful and nutritious sides add a fresh dimension to the meal.
This side dish is particularly popular in regions like Patagonia, where fresh, local produce is abundant.
Polenta Fries
In Buenos Aires, polenta fries have become a trendy side dish to serve with empanadas. These fries, made from cornmeal, offer a crispy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with both meat and vegetable empanadas. Whether baked or fried, polenta fries add a unique twist to the traditional meal.
What to Drink with Empanadas in Argentina
Beverages play a crucial role in completing the meal. The right drink can enhance the flavors of the empanadas and create a more enjoyable dining experience.
Argentine Wine: Malbec and Torrontés
Argentina is famous for its wine, and no Argentine meal feels complete without a glass. The most popular wine to pair with empanadas is Malbec, a rich red wine primarily produced in Mendoza. Malbec’s bold flavors and tannins perfectly complement beef empanadas, enhancing the savory taste of the meat.
For those who prefer white wine, Torrontés is an excellent choice. This crisp, floral wine, grown in the Cafayate region, pairs beautifully with lighter empanadas, such as chicken or vegetable fillings. To explore more Argentine wine options, check out this guide to Argentine wines.
Fernet and Coke
For a truly Argentine experience, pair your empanadas with Fernet and Coke. This popular drink combines the bitter, aromatic flavors of Fernet, a local spirit, with the sweetness of Coca-Cola. While Fernet and Coke might sound like an unusual choice, it complements the richness of empanadas.
Fernet is especially popular at social gatherings and often accompanies casual empanada meals.
Beer
When enjoying empanadas in a casual setting, many Argentines choose to pair them with beer. Local brands like Quilmes offer a light, refreshing drink that balances the richness of the empanadas. Beer pairs well with all types of empanadas, making it a go-to beverage for street food or family meals.
Regional Differences in Empanada Pairings
Each region in Argentina has its own version of empanadas, and the sides and drinks that accompany them also vary by location.
Northwestern Argentina (Salta and Jujuy)
In Salta and Jujuy, people often serve empanadas with ají, a spicy pepper sauce that adds heat to the dish. Locro, a hearty corn and bean stew, sometimes accompanies these empanadas, creating a filling meal.
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, locals tend to enjoy empanadas filled with ham, cheese, or spinach. They often serve these lighter empanadas with a simple salad or Salsa Golf, a sauce made from ketchup and mayonnaise. Wine, especially Malbec, is a popular choice for pairing.
Patagonia
In Patagonia, roasted vegetables or mashed pumpkin are common sides for empanadas. The colder climate calls for heartier sides, and residents often enjoy empanadas with Cordero Patagónico, a slow-cooked lamb dish. Patagonian wines, often served with empanadas, complement the flavors of these traditional dishes.
Empanadas at Family Gatherings and Special Occasions
Argentines love to serve empanadas at family gatherings and special occasions. Whether celebrating a birthday or hosting a weekend asado (BBQ), empanadas often play a central role in the meal.
Empanadas at the Asado
During an asado, Argentines typically serve empanadas as appetizers. Chimichurri or salsa criolla frequently accompany the empanadas, and beer or wine is a common drink choice. This dish adds a variety to the asado spread, making them the perfect prelude to the grilled meats that follow.
Empanadas at Holidays and Festivals
Empanadas are also a staple at Argentine festivals and holidays. Families gather during national celebrations like Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) to enjoy empanadas with various sides and beverages. Each region showcases its unique version of empanadas, allowing people to try different pairings.
Vegetarian and Vegan Sides with Empanadas
In recent years, vegetarian and vegan empanadas have become increasingly popular in Argentina. Plant-based fillings like spinach, mushrooms, and tofu offer a delicious alternative to traditional meat empanadas.
Vegetarian Empanada Pairings
Fresh and flavorful sides like quinoa salads or grilled vegetables pair beautifully with vegetarian empanadas. These lighter sides balance the richness of the pastry while providing a healthy contrast to the meal.
Vegan Dips and Sauces
For vegan empanadas, try pairing them with dips like guacamole or a vegan version of chimichurri. These plant-based sides add a burst of flavor without overpowering the empanada, creating a light yet satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Empanadas are a versatile and beloved part of Argentine cuisine. The sides and drinks that accompany them can turn a simple pastry into a full meal. Whether you enjoy chimichurri sauce, roasted vegetables, or a glass of Argentine wine, these traditional accompaniments elevate the empanada experience. Each region of Argentina offers its own unique pairings, so there’s always something new to discover. Next time you enjoy an empanada, try one of these traditional Argentine sides or drinks for a complete meal.