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When the Argentina vs Egypt match kicks off tonight, chances are you will want to have something more compelling than just a packet of chips to keep the energy going. Big football matches deserve food that fits the occasion, but since the game streams at midnight, nobody would want to spend time in the kitchen. The good news is that both Argentina and Egypt have plenty of flavour-packed dishes that can easily and quickly be made at home.
Argentina is well-known for its fondness for grilled meats, melted cheese, and street food, whereas Egyptian cooking honours warm spices, legumes, fresh herbs, and satisfying flatbreads. You do not need chef-like skills or too many speciality ingredients to replicate those flavours at home.
These easy recipes are inspired by both countries, need very little preparation, and are excellent for sharing with the fan club while cheering through every goal and extra-time moment.
Argentine Provoleta Toasts
One of the most favourite appetisers is provoleta, which transforms provolone cheese into a beautifully golden, bubbling snack that has a smoky finish. To make a quick version of this beloved snack, simply toast some slices of sourdough, top them up with provolone or mozzarella, and sprinkle some oregano, chilli flakes, and black pepper.
Grill it until the cheese melts and begins to turn brown. Lastly, finish it with olive oil and fresh parsley. The outcome is crisp bread topped up with stretchy, savoury cheese that feels perfect in every bite without needing a barbecue.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Egyptian Falafel Wraps
Egyptian falafel, which is locally called ta'ameya, is traditionally made with fava beans, which makes it lighter and greener than its chickpea partner. For an easy type, you can use a ready-made falafel mixture or frozen falafel.
Stuff warm pita bread with falafel, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and tahini sauce. Every bite has a blend of crisp falafel, creamy tahini, and fresh vegetables, making a filling match-night appetiser that is also very easy to assemble in minutes.
Chimichurri Chicken Skewers
No Argentine-inspired menu can feel complete without having chimichurri in it. This bright spice sauce, made by blending parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and oregano, can instantly change the grilled chicken into something rich in flavours. Marinate the bite-sized chicken pieces for about 20 minutes.
Then pan-grill or air-fry until it becomes lightly charred. Serve it with extra chimichurri for dipping into it. The herbaceous freshness perfectly balances the smoky chicken, making it a protein-rich snack without having to worry about the calorie count.
Egyptian Dukkah Toast
Dukkah is one of the most famous spice blends of Egypt, which blends toasted nuts, sesame seeds, coriander, and cumin. To make, simply spread butter or olive oil over the toasted bread, then generously sprinkle dukkah across the surface. It feels crunchy, aromatic, and filled with roasted flavours.
It hardly takes five minutes to make the dukkah toast, but it gives a remarkable sophistication, making it perfect when you are short on time but still want to have something different from the regular snacks.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Argentine Dulce De Leche Banana Sandwich
If you have a sweet tooth, then this is a must-try. Argentina's iconic dulce de leche creates an excellent filling for the warm, toasted sandwiches. Spread dulce de leche over a slice of bread, layer it with soft sliced bananas, toast until the bread turns golden, then dust lightly with cinnamon powder.
The warm banana turns soft and mushy while the caramelised milk spread turns deliciously gooey. It's quick to make, comforting, and gives a satisfying finish after having savoury snacks.
