“Palta”

  Palta is a traditional dish that is enjoyed in many places throughout South America; the two major countries that take of this plate almost daily are Chile, and Argentina. Palta cannot be confused with “guacamole” because it is a completely different idea, I can assure you that this is much, much better. In any case here the process to make traditional “Palta” will be explained step by step.

            The main ingredient in this dish is fresh avocado, after that the rest are meant for flavor. The first step is to take out a small bowl and a spoon, also get these ingredients; two fresh avocados, extra-virgin olive oil, pepper, a fresh lemon, all-purpose seasoning, and finally salt. First you peel both avocados, take out the seed and place them inside of the bowl. Second you will have to pour some olive oil into the mix, just enough so that it adds moisture to the avocados. Third you will pour a hint of pepper, a bit of salt, and a hint of all-purpose seasoning into the mix. Fourth you will cut open one medium sized lemon and squeeze its juice into the mix, the lemon keeps the avocado from changing color because of the oxygen in the air and it also gives the product a great taste. Sixth, take the spoon and mash the avocado mix until no big pieces of avocado are seen and it turns into something of a “purée” like texture. Finally add a bit more salt and a little of pepper and seasoning into it and mix through out. After its done take some fresh bread and toast slices of it, finally take some “Palta” and pour it into the slices and enjoy the greatness of the flavor.

            Palta is part of the everyday culture in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. It makes a great breakfast but also in Chile the custom is to have breakfast, lunch, “once”, and dinner, “once” is a light dinner they take around five or six in the evening along with tea and cheeses and this sort of thing, it shows the open, family/friends- centered culture which they have where they take time to enjoy company from loved ones and enjoy a great break from the day.  This prepares them for dinner, which they take around 8:30-9:00 pm. And it is like this throughout South America. This plate is great to enjoy with cheese and some Italian-style tomatoes.