Peruvian Chicharrón Breakfast Delight
Start your day with a taste of Peru! This heartfelt breakfast sandwich is a delicious twist on the traditional Pan con Chicharrón, a Sunday favorite in Peruvian households. Featuring succulent pieces of slow-cooked boneless ribs or crispy pancetta paired with sweet, fluffy sweet potatoes, this sandwich is topped with a zesty salsa criolla bursting with flavor. Served between fresh ciabatta rolls and slathered in spicy mayonnaise, each bite is a mouthwatering experience that will transport you straight to the streets of Lima.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless ribs or pancetta
3 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut into portions)
salt
2 teaspoons (for brining)
black pepper
2 teaspoons (for brining)
yellow pepper paste
4 tablespoons (for marination)
garlic cloves
3 (whole)
lime juice
5 limes (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for cooking)
cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
sweet potatoes
4 (peeled and sliced)
vegetable oil
1 cup (for frying)
ciabatta rolls
5 (fresh)
spicy mayonnaise
1 cup (for spread)
cumin
1 teaspoon (for brining)
Instructions
1
Begin by brining the pork by combining it with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to enhance the flavor.
2
Once brined, wash the pork with cold water to remove excess salt.
3
In a large pot, add the washed pork and cover it with cold water. Add the whole garlic cloves and bring to a boil over high heat.
4
Continue cooking until the water has evaporated and the pork starts to sear in its own fat. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
5
Once golden brown, add the olive oil to the pot, and keep searing the pork to achieve a crispier outer layer.
6
In a separate pot, boil the sweet potato slices in salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
7
Assemble the sandwich by splitting the ciabatta rolls in half. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayonnaise on both halves.
8
Layer the cooked pork, followed by sweet potato slices, and top with cilantro. You can also add some salsa criolla for an extra kick.
9
Close the sandwich, slice in half, and serve warm. Enjoy your Peruvian Chicharrón Breakfast Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peruvian Chicharrón Breakfast Delight?
It is a heartfelt breakfast sandwich featuring slow-cooked pork, sweet potatoes, and salsa criolla on ciabatta rolls, based on the traditional Pan con Chicharrón.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 lbs of boneless ribs or pancetta, trimmed and cut into portions.
How long should the pork be brined?
The pork should sit in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to enhance the flavor.
What spices are used for the pork brine?
The brine consists of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin.
Why do you wash the pork after brining?
The pork is washed with cold water after brining to remove any excess salt before cooking.
How is the pork cooked initially?
The pork is placed in a pot covered with cold water and whole garlic cloves, then brought to a boil.
How do you achieve a crispy texture on the pork?
After the water evaporates, the pork sears in its own fat and olive oil until it reaches a golden brown, crispy outer layer.
How long does the pork take to cook?
The evaporation and searing process typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
How are the sweet potatoes prepared?
They are peeled, sliced, and boiled in salted water until tender, then drained and cooled.
What kind of bread is used for the sandwich?
The recipe uses 5 fresh ciabatta rolls.
What sauce is spread on the ciabatta rolls?
A generous amount of spicy mayonnaise is spread on both halves of the rolls.
What are the layers of the sandwich?
The sandwich is layered with cooked pork, sweet potato slices, cilantro, and optionally salsa criolla.
Is salsa criolla included in this recipe?
Yes, it is mentioned as a topping that provides a zesty flavor and an extra kick.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 5 servings.
What is the purpose of the yellow pepper paste?
Yellow pepper paste is used for marination to add authentic Peruvian flavor.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe uses the juice of 5 freshly squeezed limes.
What role does olive oil play in the recipe?
1/4 cup of olive oil is added during the searing stage to help the pork get crispier.
Is cilantro used in the sandwich?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro is used as a topping inside the sandwich.
What is the significance of Pan con Chicharrón?
It is a traditional Sunday favorite in Peruvian households often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast.
Do you use vegetable oil in this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of vegetable oil is listed for frying purposes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 whole garlic cloves for the boiling process.
How should the sandwich be served?
It should be sliced in half and served warm for the best experience.
Can I use pancetta instead of ribs?
Yes, crispy pancetta is a suggested alternative for the succulent pork component.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients used in this Peruvian Chicharrón recipe.
Does the recipe include cumin?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of cumin is used for the brining process.
Is the pork cooked over high heat?
Yes, the initial boiling of the pork in water is done over high heat.
What flavor does the sweet potato add?
The sweet potato provides a sweet and fluffy contrast to the savory, crispy pork.
How much spicy mayonnaise is used?
1 cup of spicy mayonnaise is prepared for use as a spread.
Should the pork be cut before cooking?
Yes, the ribs or pancetta should be trimmed and cut into portions before the brining process.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes spicy mayonnaise and yellow pepper paste, giving it a noticeable but flavorful heat.