Picada (Argentine cuisine) facts for kids
A typical picada from Córdoba served with Argentine wine
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| Place of origin | Argentina |
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| Main ingredients | Cheeses, breads, cured meats, fermented sausages, snack foods, potato chips, nuts, pâté, pickled foods |
A picada (say "pee-KAH-dah") is a popular dish from Argentina. The word picada comes from the Spanish word picar, which means "to nibble at." It's usually served as a starter, like an appetizer, but sometimes it can be the main meal.
A picada is a plate full of yummy snacks and finger foods. It's a bit like the Italian antipasto or the Spanish tapas. These traditions came to Argentina with many people who moved there from Europe. A typical picada often has different cheeses, cured meats, fermented sausages, olives, and peanuts. Picadas are a fun way to share food and spend time with family or friends.
What is a Picada?
A picada is more than just food; it's a social event! Imagine a big platter filled with lots of small, tasty bites. Everyone at the table can pick and choose what they want to eat. It's a great way to try many different flavors at once.
Popular Picada Foods
There are many delicious things you might find on a picada plate:
- Cheeses: Different kinds of cheese, from soft to hard.
- Cured Meats: Sliced meats like salami or ham.
- Sausages: Often small, flavorful sausages.
- Olives: Green or black olives.
- Peanuts: Salty and crunchy.
- Potato Chips: A classic snack.
- Bread: Sliced bread or crackers to go with the other items.
- Pickled Foods: Like pickled onions or gherkins.
Picada as a Meal
While picadas are often served before a main meal, they have become popular as the main dish themselves. This is especially true when friends or family gather for a relaxed time. It's easy to share and enjoy together.
History of the Picada
The idea of the picada came from people who moved to Argentina. Many people came from Spain and Italy. They brought their food traditions with them. The Spanish had their "tapas," which are small dishes served with drinks. The Italians had "antipasto," which means "before the meal" and includes appetizers.
In the 1940s, in the city of Buenos Aires, there was a similar idea called "copetín." Restaurants would serve a copetín as a starter. It came on a special metal plate and often included olives, potato chips, peanuts, and salty snack sticks called palitos salados. The picada grew from these traditions, becoming the beloved dish it is today.
See also
In Spanish: Picada (cocina argentina) para niños
