Traditional Argentine Locro
Locro is Argentina's celebratory thick stew of white hominy, beans, zapallo, pork and beef, enriched with chorizo colorado and served especially on national holidays.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Drain the soaked hominy and beans and place them in a heavy pot with fresh water.
- 2
Add the pork and beef, bring gently to a simmer, and skim the surface.
- 3
Cook slowly for about 90 minutes, stirring often so the corn does not catch.
- 4
Add the squash, onion, chorizo colorado, paprika, and cumin.
- 5
Continue simmering until the squash breaks down, the grains are tender, and the stew is thick, 45 to 60 minutes.
- 6
Season with salt and serve hot, optionally with a paprika-scallion oil.
Cook notes
Tips
Zapallo should partially dissolve and naturally thicken the locro.
Stir frequently once the hominy softens.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat cooked savory dishes gently; keep baked sweets tightly covered.
What to Serve With
- Quiquirimichi or paprika-scallion oil
- Crusty bread
Common Mistakes
- Locro should be a thick stew, not a thin soup.
- Potatoes alone do not replace the traditional squash and hominy base.
Recipe FAQ
What defines Traditional Argentine Locro?
Locro is Argentina's celebratory thick stew of white hominy, beans, zapallo, pork and beef, enriched with chorizo colorado and served especially on national holidays.
What should I avoid when making Traditional Argentine Locro?
Locro should be a thick stew, not a thin soup.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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