
Hello, pretty people! Today in Paulina Cuisine we put ourselves with a true icon of Argentine gastronomy: The vigilant dessert.
That which seems simple (because it is), but that contains stories, debates and a combination of flavors that say what they say, we love.
If you ever asked yourself why it’s called that, What cheese useor go with Potato the membrillYou arrived at the right place! I tell you everything in this note, without turns and at the foot.
About the vigilant dessert
What exactly is this Argentine classic? Beyond the curious name, the vigilant dessert is one of the simplest and most delicious combinations that exist: Cheese and sweet. Easy.
A good piece of cheese, a good piece of sweet (the one you choose, we will talk about that) and to enjoy.
It’s a dessert that does not need cookingno complicated preparation, no rare ingredients. He is direct, tasty and takes us on a trip to childhood (if you are Argentine, of course).

The mystery of the name: why is it called vigilant dessert?
This is the question that reveals to half a country (well, we don’t know exactly, but it is a very common doubt). He origin of vigilant dessert It does not have a single official version, as usually happens with these popular things.
The most widespread story says that this cheese and sweet dessert He was born from the tradition that some restaurants from Buenos Aires had, back 1920to offer something rich to the guards who spent the night standing on the street.
The combination of cheese and sweet was an accessible, practical and forceful option to offer the police.
So dessert ended up adopting the name of those who consumed it. I mean, it’s called Vigilant dessert by the vigilantes. Simple, right? As the dessert itself. Although there are other versions out there, this is the one that sounds more popular.
The watchman’s heart: the perfect cheese
Although it seems that any cheese is going well, the truth is that For a good vigilant dessert cheese is key.
Tradition commands using a semidide or hard cheesebut not too salty or spicy, so that it does not compete with the sweetness.
The ideal candidates to accompany the sweet are:
- Mar del Plata Cheese: It is the classic classic. Semiiduro, soft and slightly elastic flavor. It is perfect.
- PategrĂ¡s: Similar to Mar del Plata, sometimes a little more intense. Also an excellent option.
- Fontina: A semi -duty cheese that works great.
But there are also people who prefer to accompany the watchman’s candy with a softer cheese, quartirolo type o Port Hi. The key is that the cheese has character, but it is soft. An ideal option for those who love the cheese desserts, such as the ricota cake or the cheese cake.


The big question: sweetness or quince sweet?
The eternal debate! It is like asking about Messi or Maradona, or if the pizza goes with FainĂ¡. The original vigilant dessert is made with quince sweet. That is the traditional version. The contrast between the acidity of the quince and the cheese is simply sublime.
Peeeero, over time, The sweet potato won his place And today it is a variant as popular as the original. The sweet potato gives a more intense sweetness and a softer texture.
So, For vigilant dessert with sweet potato or quince? The best answer is: The one you like the most! Or better yet, try both! There is no incorrect answer here. It can even be made with homemade quince or homemade sweet potato. Change everything!


Vigilante vs MartĂn Fierro: clarifying confusion
Here comes another doubt that generates discussions in the desktop. Sometimes, the combination of cheese and sweet is called MartĂn Fierro. Is it the same as the guard? Historically, no. The legend says that the Vigilant dessert was cheese with quince sweetwhile the dessert MartĂn Fierro was cheese with sweet potato.
Now that we know, we can explain the Difference between Vigilante and MartĂn Fierro. Although, being honest, the only important thing is to be rich, right?
Ideas for the presentation of the vigilant dessert with a gourmet touch
Although the Classic Vigilante dessert version It is simply a Cheese and sweet assembly That only implies cutting and serving, you can also take a twist to do something different.
- Deconstructed vigilant dessert: Cut the cheese and sweet in small cubes and mix them in a bowl. Or alternate layers in a glass. Simple, but the perception changes.
- With nuts or honey: Accompany portions with some nuts, almonds or a hilite of honey. They give it texture and an extra flavor.
- Vigilant cake: Some daring go further! They can use the combination as Fill for a cakeor make a cookie base and put on the cheese and sweet mixture. This would already be a Gourmet variation of vigilant dessert.


Frequent questions about the vigilant dessert
- What is the ideal cheese? The classic is Mar del Plata or PategrĂ¡s, but a good Port Salut or Quartirolo are also barbaric.
- “Potato the membrillo?” The original vigilant dessert is quince, but with sweet potato is equally popular. It’s a matter of taste!
- Is it the same as MartĂn Fierro? Historically not (vigilant = quince, MartĂn Fierro = sweet potato), but today they are usually used interchangeably.
- Do you have many calories? Well, the Cheese and sweet It is not precisely Light. But it is only a matter of consuming it in moderation.
7 final tips to enjoy your vigilant dessert
- Choose a good cheese. The quality is noticeable.
- Use a good brand sweetif it is better can. Or better yet, homemade.
- Test the two versions: sweet potato and quince. It’s a must!
- Serve at room temperature. Cheese and sweets better release their flavors.
- Cut generous portions. It is a dessert to enjoy.
- Be afraid of tastinglike Cayote’s.
- Enjoy it without guilt. It is an Argentine classic!
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Vigilant dessert recipe
Portions: 2
Preparation time: 5 minutes (the least!)
Ingredients for vigilant dessert
- Semi -durge/hard cheese (Mar del Plata, PategrĂ¡s, Fontina) or soft cheese (quartirolo, port salut): 100g
- Quince sweet and/or sweet sweet potato (alone or with chocolate): 100g
- Walnuts and honey: optional
How to prepare vigilant dessert step by step
- Remove the cheese and the sweet from the refrigerator a little while so that they are not ice cream and their flavor feels good.
- Cut the cheese into portions of the chosen size.
- Cut the sweet (sweet potato or quince) in portions of similar to cheese.
- Serve a portion of cheese and above the sweet portion, together on a plate. It can be decorated with a little nuts and a honey dash (optional).
- Enjoy well Argentine vigilant dessert.


Source: www.paulinacocina.net