Uruguayan Chivito Sandwich: The Ultimate Feast for Meat Lovers

Ingredients

  • 4 thin beef steaks
  • 4 soft bread rolls
  • 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • Mayonnaise, to taste
  • Ketchup, to taste
  • Mustard, to taste
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup of green olives
  • 1/2 cup of pickles

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush it with oil.
  2. Season the beef steaks with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot grill pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
  3. While the steaks are cooking, fry the bacon in another pan until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside.
  4. In the same pan, fry the slices of ham until they are lightly browned. Remove the ham from the pan and set it aside.
  5. Fry the eggs in the same pan until they are cooked to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Open the bread rolls and spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on the inside of each half.
  7. Build your chivito sandwiches by layering the steak, ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, egg, pickles, and olives on the bread rolls.
  8. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Grill pan - Used to cook the beef steaks.
  • Frying pan - Used to fry the bacon, ham, and eggs.
  • Knife - Used to slice the tomato, onion, and bread rolls.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for slicing ingredients.
  • Grill brush - Used to brush oil onto the grill pan.
  • Spatula - Used to flip the beef steaks on the grill pan.
  • Tongs - Used to handle the bacon, ham, and eggs while frying.
  • Bowl - Can be used for seasoning the steaks or serving the pickles and olives.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or turkey breast instead of beef steaks for a lighter option.
  • Replace the soft bread rolls with ciabatta or baguette for a crustier texture.
  • Add sliced avocado or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and creaminess.
  • Try different types of cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
  • Marinate the beef steaks in a chimichurri sauce before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Add a spicy kick by including sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce.
  • Experiment with different condiments like aioli, chipotle mayo, or barbecue sauce.
  • Replace the bacon with crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms for a different savory element.
  • Serve the chivito open-faced on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, salad-like option.

Recipe overview

Chivito Recipe: A Savory Delight from Uruguay

If you are a fan of hearty sandwiches, then the Chivito is for you. This traditional Uruguayan sandwich is a gastronomic marvel, filled with a variety of delicious ingredients including grilled steak, ham, cheese, and fried eggs, and topped with crisp bacon, fresh vegetables and a bevy of condiments.

This simple and straightforward recipe will guide you step by step in creating this meaty, flavorful, and satisfying sandwich. It might appear to be a daunting task at first glance due to the number of ingredients, but the cooking process is quite straightforward and the result is definitely worth the effort.

As you bite into this stack of delight, you can expect a mouthful of diverse textures and flavors. The smoky taste of the steak, the salty crunch of the bacon, the creaminess of the cheese and mayo, the fresh crunch of lettuce and pickles, and the tangy sweetness of the ketchup all come together to create a symphony of deliciousness in your mouth.

So, roll up your sleeves and let's get cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef steaks? Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian option like grilled tofu as a substitute for beef steaks.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Certainly! While mozzarella is traditional, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone based on your preference.
  3. What can I use instead of bacon? If you prefer not to use bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon, smoked turkey slices, or omit it altogether for a lighter option.
  4. Can I customize the toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to add or remove any toppings according to your taste. Some popular additions include sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
  5. Can I make the chivito ahead of time? While it's best to assemble and enjoy the chivito right away for maximum freshness, you can prepare the various components in advance and then assemble the sandwiches when you're ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill pan - A pan with ridges that is used for grilling the beef steaks.
  • Frying pan - A flat-bottomed pan used for frying the bacon, ham, and eggs.
  • Knife - Used for slicing the tomato, onion, and pickles.
  • Cutting board - A surface for safely cutting the vegetables and pickles.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping and handling the beef steaks while grilling.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the bacon, ham, and eggs while frying.
  • Brush - Used for brushing oil onto the grill pan.
  • Plates - Used for serving the chivito sandwiches.
  • Napkins - Helpful for keeping hands and surfaces clean while eating.

Origin stories

The Chivito, hailed as Uruguay's national dish, was born out of spontaneity and improvisation. The tale unfolds in the 1940s in Punta del Este, a charming seaside town. One day, a tourist from Argentina asked for a sandwich made with goat meat, a common fare in her home country. The chef, Antonio Carbonaro, did not have this ingredient on hand but, being a resourceful soul, he decided to put together a sandwich using what was available: a thin slice of beef steak, ham, cheese, and a few other components. He presented his creation to the Argentinian woman, who was delighted with the new sandwich. From that day forward, Carbonaro's impromptu sandwich became a local sensation, eventually gaining fame throughout Uruguay and beyond. Each bite of a Chivito serves as a tasty reminder of a chef's quick thinking and the unexpected culinary delights that can come from happy accidents.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.