6 Person
20 Min
45 Min
65 Min
Carbonada Criolla Stew: This popular Argentinian stew is a very hearty meal and it is made with beef, vegetables, and fruit.
Carbonada Criolla is a traditional stew from Argentina and is considered one of the country’s classic comfort foods. The dish has deep roots in rural Argentine cuisine and reflects the agricultural abundance of the Pampas region, where beef, potatoes, corn, and seasonal produce are widely available.
What distinguishes Carbonada Criolla from many other beef stews is the inclusion of fruit, such as peaches and pears, which adds gentle sweetness and balance to the savory broth. This combination reflects Spanish colonial influence, particularly the Moorish tradition of blending meat with fruit, adapted over time to local South American ingredients. Historically, the stew was cooked slowly in large pots over open fires and shared communally, making it well suited for family meals and gatherings.
Today, Carbonada Criolla remains a symbol of Argentine home cooking and regional identity. It is most commonly prepared during cooler months and served hot, highlighting Argentina’s strong stew-making tradition and its ability to combine European culinary heritage with indigenous and local ingredients.