Uruguayan Fiambre

Uruguayan Fiambre Recipe - A delicious dish from Uruguay

Region / culture: Uruguay | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Uruguayan Fiambre is a traditional dish from Uruguay that features a flavorful flank steak filled with a mixture of eggs, cheese, pimento, and peas. This dish is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings, as it is both delicious and visually impressive.

History

Uruguayan Fiambre has its roots in Spanish and Italian cuisine, with influences from the diverse culinary traditions of Uruguay. This dish is often served during holidays and celebrations, as it is a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

Ingredients

5 eggs
0.33 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 (3 lb (1.36 kg)) flank steak
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 small pimento, diced
0.5 cup cooked green peas
6 cups broth

How to prepare

Beat the eggs and cheese together.
Melt the butter in a skillet; add the egg mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are dry.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the flank steak.
Cover the steak with the cooked eggs, pimento, and peas.
Roll the steak from the short side and secure with string.
Wrap the steak in cheesecloth and secure again.
Place the steak in a large saucepan and add the stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil; skim off any impurities and reduce the heat.
Simmer the steak, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours or until it is tender.
Remove the steak from the stock and press it with a heavy object.
Allow the steak to cool in a bread server.
Cut the steak into slices and serve it with vegetables marinated in a vinaigrette sauce.

Variations

Add diced ham or bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
Substitute the flank steak with pork loin or chicken breast for a different twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to secure the rolled steak with string and cheesecloth to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the stock while simmering the steak to ensure a clear and flavorful broth.

- Pressing the cooked steak with a heavy object helps to compact the filling and create a firm, sliceable texture.

Serving Suggestions

Uruguayan Fiambre is traditionally served with vegetables marinated in a vinaigrette sauce and a side of crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling and securing the steak ensures that the filling stays intact during cooking.

- Simmering the steak in broth helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cheese you prefer in place of cheddar.

- Substitute green peas with corn or diced carrots for a different vegetable filling.

Make Ahead Tips

Uruguayan Fiambre can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat the sliced steak in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced steak on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and a drizzle of vinaigrette for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Uruguayan Fiambre pairs well with a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Uruguayan Fiambre in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sliced steak in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Uruguayan Fiambre contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Uruguayan Fiambre contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Uruguayan Fiambre contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Uruguayan Fiambre contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Uruguayan Fiambre is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, cheese, and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Uruguayan Fiambre is a protein-rich dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Uruguayan Fiambre is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. With a flavorful filling of eggs, cheese, pimento, and peas, this dish is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Uruguayan Fiambre. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in the bustling city of Montevideo. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she loved to share her culinary creations with me. On this particular day, she had prepared a feast fit for a king, and the centerpiece of the meal was the most delicious dish I had ever tasted - Uruguayan Fiambre.

As I watched Maria effortlessly prepare the dish, I was mesmerized by her skill and creativity in the kitchen. She explained to me that Uruguayan Fiambre was a traditional salad that was typically served as an appetizer during special occasions and holidays. Made with a medley of colorful and flavorful ingredients, including ham, cheese, olives, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs, it was a true feast for the senses.

Maria shared with me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me stories of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously preparing each ingredient with love and care. The dish was not only a culinary masterpiece but also a symbol of family tradition and heritage.

Inspired by Maria's passion for cooking, I asked her to teach me how to make Uruguayan Fiambre. With a smile, she handed me a pen and a notebook and guided me through each step of the recipe. I took notes diligently, eager to learn the secrets of this beloved dish.

The first step was to prepare the dressing, a tangy and flavorful concoction made with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs. Maria showed me how to whisk the ingredients together until they formed a smooth and creamy emulsion. The aroma of the dressing filled the kitchen, tantalizing my taste buds and making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, we moved on to the main ingredients of the salad. Maria expertly sliced the ham and cheese into thin strips, arranging them in a colorful display on a platter. She added the olives, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs, each ingredient carefully placed with precision and care. The salad was taking shape before my eyes, a beautiful mosaic of flavors and textures.

As Maria drizzled the dressing over the salad, she explained to me the importance of letting the flavors meld together before serving. She advised me to refrigerate the salad for at least an hour, allowing the ingredients to marinate and infuse with the tangy dressing.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. I took a bite of the Uruguayan Fiambre, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The ham was savory and tender, the cheese creamy and rich, the olives and pickles adding a briny kick, and the hard-boiled eggs adding a velvety texture. The dressing tied everything together, coating each ingredient in a blanket of tangy goodness.

As I savored each mouthful, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I had learned to make Uruguayan Fiambre, a dish that held a special place in my heart and connected me to my friend Maria and her family traditions. I knew that I would cherish this recipe for years to come, passing it down to future generations and sharing the love and joy of cooking with others.

In that moment, surrounded by good food and good company, I felt truly grateful for the gift of cooking and the memories it brought me. And as I looked at Maria, her eyes twinkling with pride, I knew that this recipe for Uruguayan Fiambre would always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the bond we shared through the love of food and family.