Chivitos is the national sandwich in Uruguay

This week we are visiting Uruguay and preparing a very popular dish called Chivitos. This is a very simple dish that can be made in many different ways. There is not only one set recipe that you have to follow. However, this is one you may enjoy.

• CHIVITOS

Ingredients

1/2 sheet foccacia bread, cut into eighths

Mayonnaise (about 6 tablespoons)

8 small rib eye steaks, thinly sliced

8 eggs

Lettuce

Tomato slices

2 red bell peppers, roasted and cut into strips

Sliced green olives

1 red onion, thinly sliced

16 slices bacon, crisply cooked

16 slices ham

Mozzarella cheese

Putting it together

Begin by cutting the foccacia bread lengthwise down the middle. Brush mayonnaise on the bread and grill until bread is golden brown.

Season and grill the steaks to desired doneness. Fry the eggs and set aside until we are ready to assemble the sandwich.

To assemble, begin by layering lettuce, tomato, red bell pepper, sliced olives and onion. Next add the meats in any order you desire, top with the fried egg and mozzarella cheese and broil until cheese is golden brown. Place the top of the sandwich bread on and enjoy.

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Next week, we will visit Brazil to prepare one of the country's most popular dishes, Churrascos.

Antonio Villagomez is head chef and owner of Cilantro's restaurant and catering in Yuba City. Contact him at 844-2111. His Web site is www.cilantros.us.