MAKES 4 SERVINGS
This favorite Chilean sandwich from Chef Ruth Van Waerebeek is indeed a meal in a bun. You get meat, vegetables and fruit, all seasoned with traditional herbs and spices and spiked with jalapeño peppers. Another Chilean favorite is The Churrasco o Lomito – thin slices of marinated, sautéed beef or pork loin (lomito), topped with sliced tomatoes, avocado spread and mayonnaise. You can find thin sliced chuck or top round for this sandwich in most meat cases, or have the butcher slice it for you.
In medium bowl or deep plate, combine garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin and oregano. Add beef slices and marinate. Set aside for 30 minutes. (Refrigerate if marinating longer.)
In large skillet or on griddle over high heat, cook beef slices until just done. Cut avocados in half, remove the pit and peel. Mash with Merken and salt in a small bowl.
Cut avocado in half, remove the pit, and peel and cut into slices.
Toast the hamburger buns, then spread with avocado mixture. Top with beef slices, green beans and a few slices of the pepper. Cover with top of bun and serve at once.
Note: Merken is an unique smoked chili pepper mix originally from the Mapuche Indian population of Chile. To make your own Merken, blend 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon ground coriander seeds.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: calories 459, fat 28g, monounsaturated fat 10g, saturated fat 6.6g; protein 23g, carbohydrates 31g, cholesterol 44mg, sodium 526mg, fiber 4g.