A Cook Abroad Season 1 Episode 3 John Torode's Argentina

In the third episode of A Cook Abroad season 1, Australian chef and TV personality John Torode travels to Argentina to discover the country's unique culinary heritage. With a rich culture influenced heavily by Spanish and Italian immigrants, Argentina is known for its meat-heavy dishes and delectable desserts.

John starts his journey in Buenos Aires where he meets local chef Marcelo Tuttwiler who takes him to the city's bustling San Telmo market. The colorful market is a feast for the senses with a variety of food stalls selling everything from empanadas to fresh seafood. John and Marcelo sample some of the local delicacies including choripán, a popular street food made with grilled sausage and bread.

Next, John travels to the grasslands of the Pampas, the heart of Argentina's beef industry. There, he meets Nicolas Repetto, a sixth generation gaucho who teaches him the art of cooking the perfect steak using traditional Argentine methods. This involves cooking the meat on an open-air grill, or asado, and seasoning it with just salt and pepper.

Moving on to Patagonia, John learns about the region's Welsh heritage and visits a Welsh teahouse in Gaiman where he tries traditional Welsh cakes and tea. He then visits a local estancia, or ranch, where he learns about sheep farming and tries lamb cooked with herbs and garlic over an open fire.

Finally, John visits Mendoza, Argentina's famous wine region, where he meets winemaker Susana Balbo. She takes him through the process of making Malbec, Argentina's signature wine, and pairs it with a local delicacy called locro, a hearty stew made with corn and meat.

Throughout the episode, John is struck by the passion and generosity of the Argentine people and their love for sharing food and drink. He is inspired by their commitment to tradition and the ways in which they incorporate local ingredients into their dishes. By the end of the episode, John has gained a newfound appreciation for the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Argentina.