Gaucho: The Spirit of Argentina: A Cookbook

Gaucho, the Argentinian steak restaurant, has launched Gaucho: The Spirit of Argentina: A Cookbook. 

Gaucho’s Culinary Director Anthony Ekizian, has curated more than 80 recipes from across the restaurant’s history and adapted them for the home cook. Interwoven among them are stories of Argentina’s history, food, and culture. I like recipe books that tell me about significance of the dish or the meaning of names of dishes and this delivers. 

It opens with a chapter on Beef, offering expert advice on selecting cuts, mastering cooking techniques, and pairing each steak with sauces and sides that enhance its character. Flipping through I spotted Beef de asado with coffee and chipotle rub and how to make green chimichurri. Chapters on Chicken and Fish follow. This includes ceviche, which is fitting as Gaucho was the first restaurant to introduce it to the UK. The spirit of Argentine cuisine shines in the street food chapter – empanadas, croquetas, and ciabatta.  There then a section on sides including triple cooked chips with chimchirri salt and Sahara. Next is a short section titled Sundays with Gaucho’s take on the family-style roast including how to make Yorkshire puddings. 

Onto the Sweets chapter and I was fascinated about the contested birthplace of Dulce de Leche. As I’m writing this I’ve just had dessert, yet my mouth is watering over the picture of the Dulce de Leche crumble-topped cheesecake. Of course, there also a recipe for cinnamon churros. 

The final chapter, Drinks, explores Argentina’s celebrated wines and Gaucho’s inventive cocktails inspired by the bars of Buenos Aires. I’m intrigued by the Gaucho wagyu martini and the Cha Cha Cha (gin, brandy and champagne!)

Stunning photography by award-winning food and travel photographer Sam A. Harris captures both the recipes and the spirit of Argentina — from landscapes, people, customs and dishes. There are gorgeous black and white photos, which contrast with the vivid photos of red and orange open flames of an open fire. I love how each recipe has its own photograph. The 

Gaucho: The Spirit of Argentina: A Cookbook is available to order now online and in stores. 

Website: https://gauchorestaurants.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gauchogroup