If you're looking for a gut buster of a sandwich, you need to get to know the Uruguayan Chivito.
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"Everything that is done with love is done well." - José Mujica
The Uruguayan chivito sandwich stands as a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Uruguay's gastronomic culture. With its layers of succulent meats, fresh vegetables, and rich sauces, the chivito is a symphony of flavors and textures, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This sandwich not only tantalizes the taste buds but also embodies Uruguay's history, a fusion of immigrant influences and a celebration of the country's love for hearty and diverse cuisine.
The history of the chivito sandwich is a reflection of Uruguay's cultural diversity and culinary evolution. The story begins in the mid-20th century when a Swiss tourist named Antonio Carbonada visited a restaurant in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Carbonada requested a sandwich that included goat meat (chivito in Spanish), but the restaurant's owner, Antonio Laiño, didn't have goat meat available. Instead, Laiño creatively substituted it with beef steak, and the first chivito sandwich was born.
This innovation sparked a culinary sensation that quickly gained popularity throughout Uruguay. As time passed, the chivito sandwich continued to evolve, reflecting the country's immigration patterns and the diverse influences that shaped its cuisine. Layers of tender beef, ham, bacon, cheese, eggs, lettuce, tomato, and mayo transformed the sandwich into a hearty meal that speaks to Uruguay's love for indulgence and hearty eating.
Today, the chivito sandwich is a staple of Uruguayan cuisine, enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and even at roadside stands. Its prominence extends beyond borders, attracting tourists seeking an authentic taste of Uruguay. Beyond its delectable components, the chivito carries the essence of the nation's history, representing its fusion of cultures, immigrant roots, and the country's rich culinary traditions.
Whether savored along the coastline or in the heart of Montevideo's bustling streets, the chivito sandwich is more than just a culinary delight; it's a symbol of Uruguay's warm hospitality, creative culinary spirit, and the nation's ability to blend diverse influences into a harmonious and satisfying dish.
Uruguayan Chivito
Prep time 25 mins | Cook time 30 hours | Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
2 beef steaks (sirloin or ribeye), about 8 oz each
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling the Chivito:
2 hamburger buns or ciabatta rolls, sliced and toasted (Any long bread will do)
4 slices of ham
4 slices of cooked bacon
4 slices or 5oz of mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, fried or scrambled
Lettuce, sliced
Tomato slices
Red onion, sliced
Sliced roasted red bell peppers
Sliced green olives, optional
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Instructions:
Season the beef steaks with salt and black pepper. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Assemble the chivito: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread a layer of mayonnaise, followed by a layer of your sauces of choice.
Place a beef steak on each bun, then add 2 slices of ham on top of each steak.
Lay 2 slices of cooked bacon on each sandwich.
Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the bacon.
Place a fried or scrambled egg on each sandwich.
Layer lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and roasted red bell peppers on top of the egg.
Sprinkle sliced green olives over the toppings.
Finish assembling the sandwiches by placing the top halves of the toasted buns over the ingredients.
Press down gently to set the sandwich ingredients in place.
Serve the Chivito sandwiches warm, ideally with a side of French fries.
The Uruguayan Chivito is known for its customizable nature, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. It's your world, live a little! The result is a hearty and flavorful sandwich that combines various textures and tastes into a satisfying meal that captures the essence of Uruguayan cuisine.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
Want to learn more about Uruguay? Check out my full travel guide below.
Are you interested in more flavors from Latin America? Check out the recipes below
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Nicaraguan Nacatamales - Hearty tamales with a tropical twist.
Paraguayan Chipa Guasu - A humble cheesy corn bread.
Peruvian Aji De Gallina - A creamy, yellow pepper chicken dish.
Uruguayan Chivito - A massive meat sandwich which proves Uruguay is all about the meats.
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