What’s the green, herbaceous sauce that hails from Argentina and Uruguay that will elevate your meals from mundane to magnificent?
It’s chimichurri sauce.
Traditionally made with fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, this sauce is the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spice. It’s the perfect blend of vibrant and zesty that will elevate your meals from mundane to magnificent.
A Dash of Chimichurri History
No one knows for sure who can rightly claim the bragging rights for the invention of this delicious sauce.
Some give credit to an Irishman named Jimmy McCurry concocted the sauce using local ingredients because he longed for a replacement of his beloved Worcestershire sauce.
Another story suggests Basque immigrants invented and named the sauce with a word that means “hodgepodge” and sounds very similar to chimichurri.
Regardless of its etymology, this sauce is a beloved companion to the Argentine asado (or barbecue) for generations.
Picture gauchos, Argentine cowboys, grilling meats over an open flame, basting them with chimichurri to keep them juicy and packed with flavor and serving a bit of chimichurri on the side as a condiment.
Versatility Beyond the Grill
Chimichurri is best known as a go-to sauce for grilled meats. But this magical green sauce is like a culinary fairy godmother that turns everyday ingredients into a feast fit for royalty.
Here are some creative ways to add the zing of this addicting sauce to your weeknight dinners.
1. Dipping Delight. Serve chimichurri as a dip for roasted vegetables, or even as a fresh alternative to salsa with your favorite chips.
2. Salad Superstar. Drizzle chimichurri over a simple salad for an instant flavor boost. It pairs beautifully with fresh greens, tomatoes, and avocados.
3. Flavor Booster. Add a dollop of chimichurri to your burgers, sandwiches, eggs cooked in any way for a zesty, herbaceous kick.
Make It Your Own
With minimal prep time and no cooking required, chimichurri is a breeze to whip up. Just chop, mix, and you’re ready to go. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights and delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
One of chimichurri’s best characteristics is its adaptability. Put it on anything and don’t be afraid to experiment with the basic recipe to suit your tastes.
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime, or toss in some cilantro to add a distinct, bright flavor.
So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of chimichurri and let this magical sauce make your tastebuds dance. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, looking to jazz up a weeknight dinner or simply explore something new, chimichurri is your go-to sauce for adding excitement to any meal.
Ready to grill? Check out this article on how to know when your grilled meat is done.
Looking for more ways to use fresh parsley? Make tabbouleh.
Chimichurri
Make chimichurri to add a punch of flavor to any dish, grilled meats, eggs, or vegetables. It’s super easy to make even on a weeknight.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh parsley leaves (or cilantro, or a mix of both)
- 2 smashed garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Place the parsley, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes in blender or a food processor with the red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
- Blend and drizzle in the remaining olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add a bit of water or more olive oil to create your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt as needed.
Notes
- Parsley is traditionally used in chimichurri.
- If you’re a cilantro lover, use cilantro instead or mix it in. The cilantro makes the sauce even more refreshing and lively.
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