The “completo italiano” (Chilean Italian-style hot dog) is undoubtedly the king of fast food in Chile, available practically anywhere, to the extent that some multinational fast food chains have incorporated it into their local menus.
Contents
- 1 Nutritional Information
- 2 How to make a Completo Italiano?
- 3 Extra Tips
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 4.1 What makes a completo italiano different from a regular hot dog?
- 4.2 Can I make a completo italiano without mayonnaise?
- 4.3 What type of sausage is traditionally used in Chile?
- 4.4 Is the completo italiano eaten as street food or a homemade dish?
- 4.5 Can completos be customized with additional toppings?
- 5 The best “Completos” in Santiago
- 6 Did you know?
- 7 Recommended
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Completo Italiano contains approximately 480 kcal, 38 g of carbohydrates, 28 g of fat, 15 g of protein, 6 g of fiber, 5 g of sugars, 45 mg of cholesterol, and 820 mg of sodium.
How to make a Completo Italiano?
The name “italiano” is given by the similarity of its colors to those of the Italian flag: the red of the tomato, the green of the avocado, and the whitish color of homemade mayonnaise.
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 hot dog sausage
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 ripe avocados
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Red chili cream sauce
- Salt
Instructions
- In a medium pot, boil the hot dogs in hot water over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Wash and peel the tomatoes into small cubes, place in a bowl, and season with salt and olive oil. Set aside.
- Peel and cut the avocados, mash with a fork until a coarse puree is formed, add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent oxidation, and season with salt to taste. Set aside. Open the buns in half without separating them and heat in a preheated oven at 100°C (212°F) or a flat toaster for about 2 minutes.
- In each bun, add a hot dog, cover with a layer of tomato to taste, spread generously with avocado, and top with mayonnaise along the length of the bun. Serve the completo italiano immediately, optionally accompanied by mustard, ketchup, and ají paste to taste.
Extra Tips
- Overripe avocados can release excess moisture and affect texture, while firm-ripe avocados keep the completo creamy and well balanced.
- Heating the bread enhances flavor and texture, but the tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise should remain fresh and cool for contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a completo italiano different from a regular hot dog?
The completo italiano is defined by its toppings—tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise—which replace the traditional American-style condiments.
Can I make a completo italiano without mayonnaise?
Yes, some variations use yogurt-based sauces or avocado mayo, although classic versions always include mayonnaise.
What type of sausage is traditionally used in Chile?
Chileans typically use a smooth, lightly smoked frankfurter-style sausage known locally as “vienesa.”
Is the completo italiano eaten as street food or a homemade dish?
It is both—commonly found at street stands and “fuentes de soda,” and also frequently prepared at home.
Can completos be customized with additional toppings?
Yes, many people add sauerkraut, green sauce, or spicy ají paste, though these turn it into a different completo variation.
The best “Completos” in Santiago
Did you know?
The completo italiano is a direct variation of the Chilean completo created by Eduardo Bahamonde, who originally brought the idea of the hot dog from the United States and then adapted it to local ingredients, extending to all kinds of sandwiches and meat preparations.
