Chivito (sandwich)
Chivito is the national dish of Uruguay. It is a sandwich of sliced beefsteak, mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, mayonnaise and black or green olives. A chivito commonly also includes bacon and fried or hard-boiled eggs. It is served in a bun, often accompanied by French-fried potatoes. Other ingredients, such as red beets, peas, grilled or pan-fried red peppers, and slices of cucumber, may be added.
In Argentine cuisine a similar sandwich is called lomito.
History
Chivito is the diminutive of chivo, goat, and means kid. In neighboring Argentina, chivito, barbecued kid, is a popular asado dish; it is reported that the Uruguayan chivito arose in Punta del Este, Uruguay, at a restaurant called "El Mejillón Bar" in 1946, when a woman from northern Argentina ordered a sandwich of chivito for a hurried, meal-expecting kid. The restaurant owner, Antonio Carbonaro, did not have this meat and used beef fillet steak instead.Variations
The Canadian chivito is a variation of the sandwich, with the addition of panceta.The chivito can be served as a platter rather than a sandwich. It is usually served with Russian salad or French fries.