Chacarero is a Chilean sandwich containing beef or pork with a combination of green beans, tomatoes, and spicy green chilis served in a soft roll. Typically served in a fuentes de soda or schoperias, the Chilean equivalents to a diner, with a cold beer they are one of the most popular fast foods in the country, and considered one of the best sandwiches in the world.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Before becoming a popular fast-food meal, Chacareros were originally enjoyed by rural farmers who share the same name, chacareros. In the early 20th century, chacareros needed a nutritious meal to sustain them throughout the day while working in the fields.
Over time the popular sandwich made it’s way from the countryside to the cities, and it is now the nation’s best known sandwich and a popular meal wherever you are in Chile.
Chacareros are enjoyed all over Chile, especially in the city of Santiago. While they’re a popular street snack, it’s not uncommon to see chacareros, or variations of them, served in the family home, at cultural events, and at big celebrations and ceremonies.
Chacarero Recipe
Chacarero is a Chilean sandwich containing beef or pork with a combination of green beans, tomatoes, and spicy green chilis served in a soft roll.
Ingredients
- Onions (thinly sliced) - 2
- Thinly sliced beef or pork (sirloin or tenderloin works well) - 1 lb
- Green beans - 1 cup
- Ripe tomatoes (sliced) - 2
- Soft rolls - 4
- Spicy green chili peppers (sliced into strips) - 4
- Slices of mild cheese (optional) - 4
- Ripe tomatoes (finely diced) - 2
- Onion (finely chopped) - 1/2
- Fresh cilantro (finely chopped) - 1/4 cup
- Garlic cloves (minced) - 2
- Fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup
- Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the thinly sliced beef or pork with salt and pepper.
- Grill the meat on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Slice the soft rolls in half and lightly toast them on the grill or in a toaster.
- To assemble the Chacarero, start with the bottom half of the roll. Layer on the sliced meat, blanched green beans, tomato slices, spicy green chili peppers, and a slice of mild cheese (if using).
- Top with a generous spoonful of Pebre, then cover with the other half of the roll.
- Serve your homemade Chacarero with extra Pebre on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 451Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 350mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 33g
Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.