As a typical Latin country, Uruguay is expected to push the boat out for its Independence Day on August 25th, and rightly so, since this celebration comes only once a year.
That’s why we decided to go fully Uruguayan today with a recipe for making an A+ Chivito. The easy-to-prepare but delicious national sandwich:
What You’ll Need:
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 beef fillet steaks (or 4 thin slices grilled steak)
- Salt (coarse, to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons butter
- 4 eggs
- 4 sandwich buns (very large such as large ciabatta rolls)
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 head of lettuce
- 4 slices ham (deli cut)
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 slices mozzarella chees
How to Make It
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Set aside on paper towels to cool.
- If you’re using steaks, drain the excess bacon fat out of the skillet. Slice each fillet in half crosswise to make 2 thin steaks from each.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt and black pepper. Use a mallet to pound the steaks even thinner.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot and place steaks on the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired doneness. Place on paper towels to cool.
- Wipe the skillet clean. Melt the butter over medium heat and fry the eggs sunny-side up until they are done to your preference.
- Preheat your broiler.
- Spread the inside of the buns with ketchup and mayonnaise. Place the lettuce pieces on the bottom halves of the buns.
- Top with each sandwich with 2 slices of bacon, a slice of beef, a slice of ham, a slice of tomato, and a slice of mozzarella.
- Place the uncovered sandwiches under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese. Keep a close eye on the sandwiches so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven and place a fried egg over the cheese, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Uruguay Independence Day in 2 minutes:
If after preparing your yummy Chivito Sandwich, you start feeling like waving the Uruguayan flag and really into the Charrua vibe, then let me summarize years of their History for you. Don’t worry this is not your typical History class, it’ll only take two minutes, so pull out your 2-minute sand timer and let’s get started.
The struggle for the independence of Uruguay began in 1811. With the bravery of the Captain of Blandengues, Jose Gervasio Artigas, who for the first time raised his voice against the Spanish rule, the Birth of the independence struggle in Uruguay took place. The Captain took his army and entered into a battle with the Spanish at the battle of the Las Piedras on May 18, 1811. The first victory of the captain in this battle against the Spanish, brought strength among the others to wage a war against the Spanish and prepare for similar other movements and battle.
It was on 1816 that the Artigas was finally defeated. In 1821, Banda Oriental was made as the separate province referred as Provincia Cisplatina. After almost four years thirty-three Juan Antonio Lavalleja-led exiles at Buenos Aires returned to Uruguay. Again with the help of the troops of Argentine planned a revolution. This revolution was very inspiring for everyone especially for the Banda Oriental which ultimately made Uruguay independent. It was no more under the control of Portuguese Empire. After three year the Uruguay independence got recognized by Argentine & Brazil in Montevideo Treaty. Thus 25th August was declared as an independence day for Uruguay.
We all know, how amazing Uruguay is, from sports to culture; considered the least corrupt country in Latin America, it is ranked first in the region for democracy, peace, lack of corruption, quality of living, e-Government, freedom of the press, size of the middle class, prosperity and security.
All of this with a population of just three million people.
Thanks for all Uruguay! Congrats on your day!
