Grilling Argentine Asado in Chicago Parks – Budget Edition

An asado is more than just a barbecue; it’s a cultural institution in Argentina. It’s a slow-paced, social event that’s all about gathering with friends and family to enjoy delicious grilled meats. And with a little planning, you can host your own authentic Argentine asado in one of Chicago’s beautiful parks without breaking the bank.

1. Choose Your Park

Many Chicago parks have public grills that are perfect for an asado. Some of our favorites include:

• Montrose Beach: With its beautiful views of the lake and the city skyline, Montrose Beach is a great place to spend a summer day grilling.
• Humboldt Park: This large and historic park has plenty of green space and a number of public grills.
• Lincoln Park: One of Chicago’s most popular parks, Lincoln Park has a number of designated grilling areas.

2. The Meat

The star of any asado is the meat. Here are a few budget-friendly cuts that are perfect for grilling:

• Skirt Steak (Entraña): This thin and flavorful cut of beef is a classic of the Argentine asado.
• Flank Steak (Vacío): Another flavorful and affordable cut of beef that’s great for grilling.
• Sausages (Chorizo): No asado is complete without some delicious grilled sausages.

Look for sales on these cuts of meat at your local Jewel-Osco or a neighborhood butcher shop.

3. The Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a fresh and flavorful sauce that’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats. It’s easy to make your own at home.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well.
  2. Let the chimichurri sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. The Sides

Keep the sides simple and let the meat be the star of the show. A simple green salad, some grilled bread, and a few provoleta (grilled provolone cheese) are all you need.

5. The Grill

When using a public grill, be sure to bring your own charcoal, lighter fluid, and a grill brush. And please be courteous and clean up after yourself when you’re done.

6. The Drinks

A bottle of affordable Argentine Malbec is the perfect wine to pair with your asado. You can also bring a cooler of beer or other drinks to share.

With a little planning, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic Argentine asado in one of Chicago’s beautiful parks. So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and get ready for a feast to remember.