The Chilean Completo Italiano Burger is a tribute to one of Chile’s most iconic street foods—the Completo Italiano hot dog. To truly appreciate this vibrant burger rendition, it’s essential to understand its roots and the flavors that make it so quintessentially Chilean.
The Completo Italiano, or “Italian-style hot dog,” gets its name not because it has direct ties to Italy but due to the red, green, and white toppings that mimic the colors of the Italian flag. These toppings—ripe tomatoes, creamy avocados, and tangy mayonnaise—are a hallmark of Chilean street food and represent a flavorful trifecta that perfectly complements the simplicity of a grilled sausage. Legend has it that the Completo gained popularity in the early 20th century, brought to Chile by Eduardo Bahamondes, who was inspired by Chicago’s hot dog scene during his travels to the United States. He returned to Santiago and adapted the concept to local tastes, using fresh Chilean ingredients.
The Completo Italiano is not just a snack—it’s a culture, a gathering, and an experience for many Chileans. Its appeal lies in its simplicity yet indulgent freshness. Drawing inspiration from this beloved hot dog, the Completo Italiano Burger amplifies these flavors in burger form, turning a traditional Chilean favorite into a full-bodied, hearty meal without losing its signature zest.
This burger takes everything that makes the Completo Italiano such a beloved classic and adapts it to a different, meatier canvas. Lean yet juicy ground beef is seasoned simply and cooked to a tender perfection. A slice of mild, melty Gouda cheese adds a creamy dimension, enhancing the burger’s richness while not overpowering the fresh toppings. Instead of a hot dog bun, the burger is served on toasted hamburger buns, providing a sturdy yet soft foundation to hold the vibrant layers.
Atop the beef patty sits a bright and velvety combination of ripe avocados and thinly sliced tomatoes. The avocados contribute a buttery texture and a subtle earthiness, balancing the tart sweetness of the tomatoes. To tie everything together, a generous spread of mayonnaise lends a tangy, decadent creaminess that completes the flavor profile—no other sauce is needed, as these ingredients work together harmoniously to create a perfectly balanced bite.
The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the importance of using fresh, high-quality produce. Chilean tomatoes, for example, are known for their vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor, and while avocados are native to South America, they find their ultimate expression in this burger.
The Chilean Completo Italiano Burger not only pays homage to a cherished classic but also showcases the deep culinary heritage of Chile. It’s a delightful fusion of fresh produce and rich protein, served on a familiar platform that hits all the sensory notes: juicy, creamy, crunchy, and tangy. Whether you’re a burger aficionado or a food enthusiast looking to explore South American flavors, this creation invites you to savor the essence of Chile in every bite. By transforming the classic Completo into a burger, this dish transcends boundaries, offering a comforting yet exciting take on a cultural favorite.
Chilean Completo Italiano Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef preferably 80% lean
- 4 slices cheese Gouda or any mild cheese
- 4 medium hamburger buns soft and lightly toasted
- 2 medium ripe avocados sliced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes thinly sliced, preferably heirloom
- 1 cup mayonnaise homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Form into four equal patties, ensuring they are slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat (about 200°C/392°F). Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gouda cheese on each patty. Cover the grill or place a lid over the skillet to melt the cheese.
- Arrange the toasted hamburger buns on a serving platter. Spread mayonnaise generously on the bottom halves.
- Place the cooked patties on the buns, followed by slices of avocado and tomato. Finish with the top halves of the buns.