Provoleta (Argentine Grilled Provolone)
In short: A thick disc of provolone grilled on both sides until crusty outside and molten inside, sprinkled with oregano and chili flakes. It takes about 13 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 13 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 460 kcal
Provoleta is the appetizer that starts almost every asado. A thick round of provolone-style cheese goes onto the grill, where the outside blisters and browns into a crust while the inside turns soft and molten. It is sprinkled with oregano and chili flakes and scooped up with bread while still hot. It cooks in about eight minutes, so serve it the moment it comes off the fire, because it firms up quickly as it cools.
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium, or set a small cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the skillet or the grill grate lightly with olive oil.
- Lay the cheese discs in the pan or on the grate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, without moving them, until the underside is golden and crisp and the edges begin to melt.
- Slide a wide spatula under each disc and flip it carefully. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until soft and bubbling in the center.
- Sprinkle with oregano and chili flakes and drizzle with the remaining oil.
- Serve immediately in the pan, with crusty bread for scooping and sliced tomato if you like.
Tips
- No grill? Use a small cast-iron pan on medium-high heat or put the cheese in an ovenproof dish under a hot broiler for 5 to 6 minutes.
- If you cannot find provoleta, use thick slices of semi-hard provolone or scamorza. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and will not form a crust.
Questions and answers
What cheese is provoleta?
A semi-hard Argentine cheese similar to provolone, sold in thick rounds for grilling. Outside Argentina, thick provolone or scamorza slices give a similar result.
Can I make provoleta ahead of time?
No. It is best straight from the heat, because it turns firm and rubbery as it cools. Get everything else ready first and cook the cheese last.
What do you serve with provoleta?
Crusty bread, sliced tomato and chimichurri. It is traditionally served before the main meats at an asado.
How long does it take to make Provoleta (Argentine Grilled Provolone)?
About 13 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Provoleta (Argentine Grilled Provolone)?
About 460 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 460 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
