Type Sandwich | Place of origin Uruguay | |
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Main ingredients Bun, churrasco beef, bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, ham, black or green olives, mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise Similar Milanesa, Farinata, Empanada, Choripán, Matambre | ||
Chivito is a sandwich-style national dish of Uruguay, and consists primarily of a thin slice of filet mignon (churrasco beef), with mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, black or green olives, and commonly also bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs and ham. It is served in a bun, often with a side of French fries. Other ingredients might be added into the sandwich such as red beets, peas, grilled or pan-fried red peppers, and slices of cucumber.
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Etymology
The word Chivito literally means "little goat" or "baby goat".
History
The Chivito arose in Punta del Este, Uruguay, at a restaurant called "El Mejillón Bar" in 1946, when a patron from Argentina ordered baby goat meat ("chivito"). She was looking for a quick meal, and since the restaurant owner, Antonio Carbonaro, did not have this specialty, he served her toasted bread with ham and sliced filet mignon, seasoning it with different ingredients.
Chivito today
The biggest ever "chivito" party was organized in Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay).
The Maldonado community held their second annual Chivito party in Plaza San Fernando from October 19–21, 2012, which coincides with Maldonado Day on October 19. The third annual Chivito party in Maldonado was held in Plaza San Fernando from October 17–21, 2013; the festival was extended by one day because of bad weather that caused some of the scheduled activities to be delayed. Activities at the 2013 festival included: food tasting opportunities, children's activities (horse and pony rides, learning to milk a cow and tasting the fresh milk), live musical performances, and dance presentations.
Variations
The Canadian Chivito (in Spanish Chivito Canadiense) is a variation of the sandwich, with the addition of Canadian bacon.
Although generally served as a sandwich, the chivito can also be served as a chivito platter (in Spanish Chivito al Plato). The dish would be prepared as an open sandwich, without the bread. The dish is generally served with Russian salad and/or French fries. In Argentina it is called lomito.
