Chivito

Chivito is the national dish of Uruguay. It is a thin slice of tender cooked beef steak (churrasco), with mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, mayonnaise and black or green olives, and commonly also bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, served as a sandwich in a bun, often accompanied by skinny chips Additions could include such things as red beets, peas, grilled or pan-fried red peppers, and slices of cucumber, may be added. In Argentina a sandwich of this style is called lomito.

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Cooking Method: Barbecuing and Grilling

Cuisine: South America, Uruguayan

Courses: Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Ingredients

454 g boneless rib steak
coarse salt
4 sandwich rolls (or baguettes)
125 ml aioli
4 0.25-inch pancetta (slices)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 eggs (large)
4 ham (slices)
113 g queso blanco (or Monterey Jack)
4 lettuce (Boston or Romaine leaves)
2 tomatoes (sliced)
2 peppers (roasted)

Instructions

1
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin pound the steaks lightly until they are evenly about 1/4" thick. Sprinkle lightly with salt to taste.
Aim for an even thickness rather than simply making the steak as thin as possible; even pieces cook much more predictably on the griddle.
2
Slice the rolls and spread aioli on both the halves then set aside.
3
Heat heavy based cast-iron griddle over a medium high heat. As it is heating, crisp the pancetta on the griddle, turning once then set aside. When the griddle is hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle on the surface, add the steaks, cook them without moving, for 2 minutes. Turn and cook for another minute, or until done to taste.
Because the steaks are very thin, cooking moves quickly. Use the stated time as a guide and judge doneness immediately rather than leaving them on the hot griddle while assembling the other ingredients.
4
Meanwhile heat the oil until it shimmers, then fry the eggs until the whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny, alternatively use your favourite method to poach the eggs.
For intentionally runny yolks, use British Lion eggs or another egg produced under an equivalent salmonella-control scheme; otherwise cook until both white and yolk are firm.
5
Create the sandwich, place a steak on the bottom half of each of the rolls and top with a slice each of ham, cheese, pancetta and a fried egg. Layer the other halves with the lettuce, tomatoes, and roasted pepper, and form the sandwich.
6
Slice in half and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1028.99kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 67.42g104%
Saturated Fat 21.07g106%
Sodium 1524.96mg64%
Total Carbohydrate 47.69g16%
Dietary Fiber 3.95g16%
Sugars 7.73g
Protein 57.87g116%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.