Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

 

Argentinian Canastitas, or Argentinian baskets, are a frequent appetizer given at social events and celebrations around the country. The Spanish word “canasta,” meaning “basket,” is where “canastitas” gets their origin. Miniature dough cups are the basis for these bite-sized baskets, which can be filled with savory or sweet ingredients.

The Argentinian Canastitas have been prepared in Argentina since the early 20th century, when immigrants from Europe carried their culinary customs with them. These baskets, which resemble little pies or quiches, were inspired by traditional Italian fare. They rapidly gained national attention and established themselves as an indispensable part of the Argentine diet.

The dough for Argentinian Canastitas just requires four ingredients: flour, butter, salt, and water. Then, a canastita mold is used to mould the dough into cups before it is smoothed out and cut into little circles. Then, tasty ingredients like ham and cheese, spinach, mushrooms, or tuna are stuffed into the cups.

You may enjoy Argentinian Canastitas hot or cold; they’re a flexible meal. They’re great to serve as a beginning or appetizer, and the little servings are great for passing around the table. These are a standard dessert during celebrations including weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

In Argentina, “criolla” is a popular filling for Argentinian Canastitas; it consists of ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices. A slice of hard-boiled egg and an olive are placed on top of this filling. Popular on national events like Independence Day, this traditional filling is a staple in the region.

The “caprese” filling of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is another favorite for Argentinian Canastitas. This filling is fantastic for people looking for a vegetarian or lighter option.

Argentinian Canastitas, or their variants “canastitas chilenas” and “canastitas uruguayas,” are a popular meal in neighboring Uruguay and Chile.

In sum, Argentinian Canastitas are a well-liked Argentinean appetizer with deep roots in the country’s cultural heritage. They’re great for a variety of occasions and taste great any time of day. Everyone can choose a canastita filling they love, whether they favor salty or sweet. Consider whipping up a batch of these little baskets to bring a taste of Argentina to your next get-together.

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3 Reasons People Love the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

1. Versatility: Canastitas are a flexible and adaptable recipe since they may be stuffed with savory or sweet ingredients. There are countless combinations possible, from ground beef to spinach and cheese. Because of their versatility, canastitas are often served as a pre-meal snack or appetizer.

2. Bite-size Portions: Canastitas are small bite-sized portions, which makes them easy to share and perfect for serving at parties and gatherings. Their size also allows for easy handling and makes them a great finger food option for events where utensils may not be readily available.

3. Cultural Significance: In Argentina, canastitas hold a significant cultural and historical place. They represent the many cultures that have left their mark on the country’s cuisine and serve as a representation of the country’s rich culinary history.

Canastitas are a valued component of Argentinean culture and custom, commonly eaten on important national festivals like Independence Day. Its widespread appeal and cultural importance also make them an excellent entry point for anyone interested in learning about and trying traditional Argentinian food.

 

How To Make Our Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

Ingredients: (8 Servings)

For the dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water

For the filling:

1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup green olives, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

3. Add ice water and mix until the dough comes together.

4. Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness and cut out 3-inch circles. Gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin, forming a small cup.

5. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper in olive oil until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.

6. Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir until combined.

7. Spoon the filling mixture into the dough cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

8. Top each cup with chopped olives, chopped hard-boiled egg, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing the canastitas from the muffin tin.

11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Instructions:

Calories: 256
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 87mg
Sodium: 237mg
Potassium: 133mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Mini muffin tin
Skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

To store leftovers, place the cooled canastitas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the canastitas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Substitutions For the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, feta, or goat cheese.

Substitutions for a Vegetarian Version of the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

For a vegetarian version, the ground beef can be substituted with cooked quinoa or lentils, and the hard-boiled eggs can be omitted or substituted with chopped tofu or tempeh.

Tips and Tricks for Easier Creation

Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Use a mini muffin tin with non-stick coating or grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
To make the filling ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator and reheat before filling the canastitas.
Use a cookie cutter or a small glass to cut out the dough circles for a more uniform size.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

Side dishes: mixed greens salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled asparagus

Desserts: dulce de leche ice cream, flan, or alfajores (traditional Argentinean cookies)

How To Serve the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

Serve the canastitas warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack. Arrange them on a platter or individual serving plates, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs or additional olives if desired. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as chimichurri or salsa, for extra flavor.

FAQs About the Argentinian Canastitas Recipe

What is the origin of Argentinian Canastitas?
Canastitas have their roots in Argentinean cuisine, which has been heavily influenced by Italian and Spanish culinary traditions.

Can I make Argentinian Canastitas in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough and filling ahead of time, and assemble the canastitas right before baking. You can also bake them in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Can I use a different filling for Argentinian Canastitas?
Absolutely! Canastitas can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings to suit your taste preference. Some popular fillings include spinach and cheese, ham and cheese, and mushroom.

Can I make Argentinian Canastitas without a mini muffin tin?
While a mini muffin tin is the easiest way to shape the dough into small cups, you can also use a regular muffin tin or a tart pan to make larger canastitas.

What is the traditional filling for Argentinian Canastitas?
One of the most popular fillings for canastitas is “criolla,” which is a mix of ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices. This filling is topped with a slice of hard-boiled egg and a small piece of olive.

Final Thoughts

The Argentinian Canastitas are a type of Argentine appetizer that are often consumed due to its adaptability, small size, and cultural importance. Made from a straightforward dough recipe, these adorable little baskets are a delicious and versatile complement to any celebration.

Originally from Italy and then adopted by the Spanish, canastitas have a long and storied history in Argentinean cooking. They are a treasured element of Argentinean culture and custom, and are regularly served on national festivals like Independence Day.

Argentinian Canastitas’ adaptability is a major selling point. You can stuff them with anything from ground beef to spinach and cheese for a vegetarian version. Because of this, they are a fantastic option for satisfying a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.

The Argentinian Canastitas are great to serve at parties and gatherings because of how easily they can be shared among several people. They are delicious hot or cold and are commonly served as appetizers or snacks.

Argentinian Canastitas are an excellent entry point into the gastronomy and culture of Argentina. They represent the country’s long and varied history and culture via their delicious flavors.

The Argentinian Canastitas may be easily adapted to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions and personal preferences through the use of a variety of various replacements. You can lighten things up by switching out the ground beef for turkey or chicken, and you can use whatever kind of cheese you choose in place of the cheddar. Ground beef may be replaced with cooked quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian alternative, while hard-boiled eggs can be skipped or replaced with chopped tofu or tempeh.

Argentinian Canastitas, in general, are a popular and adaptable appetizer that showcases some of Argentina’s diverse regional cooking styles. Canastitas come in a wide variety of fillings, so whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or want to try something new, you’re sure to find something you like. Making a batch of these little baskets is a great way to bring some Argentinean flair to your next party.

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