Chivito Elegance

Background and History

The Chivito Elegance is a sophisticated take on the traditional Uruguayan sandwich, the Chivito. Originating in Uruguay as a simple fast-food item, the Chivito has found its way into gourmet kitchens around the world, evolving into the Chivito Elegance. Known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, the Chivito was invented in the 1940s by Antonio Carbonaro, who, in a rush to fulfill a customer's request for goat meat ("chivito" in Spanish), improvised a sandwich using readily available meats and toppings. Today, the Chivito Elegance retains the essence of the original while adding a touch of refinement, making it suitable for both casual and upscale dining experiences.

Ingredients

• Ribeye Steak - 250g
• Bacon - 4 slices
• Mozzarella - 100g
• Lettuce - 4 leaves
• Tomato - 1, sliced
• Mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons
• Ketchup - 1 tablespoon
• Olives - 50g, sliced
• Eggs - 2
• Ciabatta - 2 rolls
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon

Preparation

Begin by preparing your ribeye steak. Allow the steak to reach room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Meanwhile, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside.

Cooking Process

Using the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the seasoned steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) using a cooking timer. Once done, remove the steak and let it rest.

In the same skillet, use the bacon grease to fry two eggs sunny-side up, seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. Set them aside to cool slightly.

Slice the rested steak thinly to prepare it for the sandwich assembly.

Assembling the Chivito Elegance

Split the ciabatta rolls in half. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll. Arrange the lettuce leaves on top, followed by the slices. Layer the sliced steak over the lettuce and tomato. Top the steak with crispy bacon and slices of mozzarella.

Place the fried eggs on top of the mozzarella and finish with ketchup, sprinkled olives, and a dash of black pepper for garnish. Cover with the top half of the roll to complete the sandwich.

Enjoying the Meal

The Chivito Elegance is best savored warm as the combination of melted mozzarella, juicy ribeye steak, and runny eggs delivers a rich and satisfying experience. Pair this sandwich with a robust olive oil dressed salad or crispy bacon-flavored potato wedges for a complete meal.