Entree: Chile – Northern Chile – Churrasco a lo Pobre (Thin grilled or pan-seared steak served with fried eggs and French fries in a hearty Chilean style)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 18 min

Additional 3 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 4 churrasco steaks (thin sirloin or flap/rumps), approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 2 tsp (10 g) coarse salt
- 1 tsp (5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch (6 mm) sticks for fries
- 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable oil for deep-frying (or enough to fill a deep pot 2–3 inches)
- 4 large eggs, approx. 50 g each
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil for cooking steaks and onions
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1 lemon or lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse cut potatoes under cold water until water runs clear, then soak in cold water 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with a clean towel.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry potatoes in batches without browning for 4–5 minutes until softened. Remove and drain on paper towels. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry potatoes again in batches until golden and crisp, 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of coarse salt.
3. While fries finish, season steaks on both sides with coarse salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or grill pan over high heat until very hot. Sear steaks 1–2 minutes per side for thin churrasco (adjust time for desired doneness). Transfer to a plate and rest 3 minutes.
4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter. Add thinly sliced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 6–8 minutes. Remove onions and keep warm.
5. In a separate nonstick skillet, fry eggs sunny-side up or to preferred doneness, cooking whites until set but yolks still runny, about 2–3 minutes per egg.
6. To serve, place a steak on each plate, top each steak with a fried egg, and pile fries alongside. Spoon sautéed onions over the steak and fries. Add avocado slices if using, a lemon or lime wedge, and garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.