How South Americans Cook with Butter
Curated by
stevegundrum
5 min read
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Butter plays a subtle yet significant role in South American cuisine, featuring in both traditional dishes and modern adaptations. While not as prominent as other fats like lard or vegetable oils, butter adds richness to various snacks, street foods, and main courses across the continent. From Brazilian brigadeiros to Peruvian scallops, butter enhances flavors in unexpected ways. This exploration delves into the diverse uses of butter in South American cooking, highlighting regional specialties and popular dishes that showcase this versatile ingredient.
Common Uses of Butter
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In South American cuisine, butter finds its way into various dishes beyond baking. It's commonly used to cook arepas, adding flavor and creating a crispy exterior on the griddle
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. In Chilean cuisine, butter enriches corn-based dishes like pastel de choclo1
. Breakfast routines often incorporate butter, with Brazilians enjoying buttered toast dipped in coffee with milk1
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. For sandwiches, butter serves as a spread, though mayonnaise is generally more popular2
. Some empanada recipes, particularly in Argentina, incorporate butter into the dough for a flakier texture1
. In traditional cooking methods, butter is sometimes used for sautéing vegetables and meats, providing a rich base flavor for stews and other dishes1
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Popular Butter Snacks
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Indulgent treats across South America often feature butter as a key ingredient. Brazilian brigadeiros, beloved chocolate truffles, incorporate butter for a smooth, rich texture
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. Alfajores, popular in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay, use butter in their cookie dough to achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency2
. Pão de queijo, Brazilian cheese bread, relies on butter for its savory flavor and chewy texture. Other snacks that may include butter are:
- Bolinhos de chuva (Brazilian rain cookies)
- Pastel (thin, crispy Brazilian pastries)
- Empanadas (in some regional variations)
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Buttery Colombian Street Foods
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While butter is not a dominant ingredient in Colombian street food, it does make appearances in some popular snacks. Arepas de chócolo, thick sweet corn cakes, are often lathered in butter before and after frying on a griddle
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. Pan galleta, a bread pastry, features butter and arequipe (caramelized condensed milk) in its filling1
. Some variations of arepas de queso incorporate butter into the dough for added richness1
. Other street foods like almojábanas, buñuelos, and empanadas may have a buttery flavor or texture, though butter is not always a primary ingredient1
. It's worth noting that oil is more commonly used for frying in Colombian street food, with butter typically serving as a topping or flavoring component rather than a main cooking fat.1 source
Butter-Rich Meat and Seafood Recipes
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Several Central and South American recipes featuring beef, chicken, or seafood incorporate significant amounts of butter for added richness and flavor. Garlic butter Brazilian steak showcases a golden garlic butter sauce that enhances the juiciness of skirt steak
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. Peruvian roast chicken is often served with garlic butter rice, where the rice is cooked with butter, garlic, and onions1
. In seafood dishes, Peruvian conchitas a la Parmesana features scallops topped with butter and Parmesan cheese, then broiled to create a rich, golden crust1
. These dishes demonstrate how butter is used to elevate flavors in meat and seafood preparations across the region.1 source
Butter's Role in South American Sauces and Condiments
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While butter is not a primary ingredient in many traditional South American sauces and condiments, it does play a role in some regional preparations. In Argentina, butter is sometimes incorporated into chimichurri, a popular herb-based sauce used for grilled meats, although this is not traditional and purists argue against its inclusion
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. Brazilian molho apimentado, a spicy hot sauce featuring chili peppers, vinegar, and lime juice, occasionally includes butter to add richness and smooth out the heat3
. In Peru, some variations of aji amarillo sauce, typically served with meat and fish dishes, may incorporate butter for a creamier texture2
. However, it's important to note that most South American sauces and condiments rely more heavily on olive oil, vegetable oils, or animal fats other than butter as their primary fat component4
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Butter-Based Sauces in Peruvian Cuisine
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Peruvian cuisine features several butter-based sauces that add richness and depth to various dishes. One notable example is the Aji Verde sauce, a creamy and spicy condiment often served with Peruvian roast chicken. While traditionally made with mayonnaise, some variations incorporate butter for added richness
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. Another popular sauce is Aji Amarillo, which blends spicy yellow pepper paste with creamy ingredients. Some recipes for this sauce include butter or cheese to enhance its texture and flavor4
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Huancaina sauce, a classic Peruvian condiment, sometimes incorporates butter to achieve a smoother consistency. This sauce typically features aji amarillo peppers, queso fresco, and evaporated milk, with some recipes calling for the addition of butter during the blending process3
. These butter-based sauces demonstrate the versatility of Peruvian cuisine, combining traditional ingredients with modern culinary techniques to create unique and flavorful condiments that complement a wide range of dishes.5 sources
Butter in Peruvian Breakfast Dishes
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Butter plays a subtle yet important role in Peruvian breakfast dishes, complementing the diverse flavors and ingredients typical of the country's morning meals. In Lima and other urban areas, a common weekday breakfast often includes fresh bread served with butter, jam, cheese, ham or avocado
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. On weekends or in rural areas, heartier breakfasts may feature dishes where butter is used in preparation or as a condiment.
In the coastal regions, butter may be used to fry bread for sandwiches like the popular pan con chicharrón, which combines crispy pork, sweet potato, and onion salsa3
. In the highlands, where larger breakfasts are common due to the demanding agricultural work, butter might be used to cook eggs or prepare hearty soups2
. The Amazon region's breakfasts can include fried plantains or yuca, potentially cooked with butter, alongside meat or fish2
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While butter is present in Peruvian breakfasts, it's worth noting that other fats and oils are also commonly used. Additionally, the specific use of butter can vary depending on the region, household preferences, and whether the meal is prepared at home or purchased from street vendors1
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