Chimichurri is a simple yet powerful combination of fresh herbs, garlic, oil, vinegar, and spices. A perfect condiment that is so versatile and a great recipe to have in your back pocket.
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Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Today, we embark on a culinary journey to explore the vibrant and tantalizing world of chimichurri. Chimichurri is a zesty and herbaceous sauce that elevates any dish it graces. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an adventurous home cook, prepare to be captivated by the allure of this versatile condiment.
Originating in Argentina this amazing sauce quickly found its way into Uruguayan cuisines and it has become widely adopted in most of Latin America. It comes in both red and green, with the green version most often seen in the United States.
ingredients
- Fresh Italian Parsley – Italian or flat leaf parsley is what is traditional used for chimichurri, you can substitute curly parsley.
- Garlic – Of course a generous amount of garlic makes this sauce so delicious, you can scale the amount to suit your needs if you like more or less.
- Shallot – Shallots don’t have the tangy bite that onions have which is why it is preferred in this recipe. Feel free to substitute different types of onion with the same amount, just beware that it will provide the sauce with a little more of that onion tang than a shallot would.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Vinegar helps give the sauce that beautiful acidity that helps cut through the richness of so many dishes.
- Fresh Lemon – And a little more acidity of course, the fresh lemon also bring a tad of sweetness with it as well.
- Dried Oregano – I have a hard time finding fresh oregano where I live, unless maybe it is prime harvest season there might be some at a farmers market. So this recipe just uses dried oregano, if you are able to get fresh oregano use that instead!
- Salt – Salt to balance and flavor everything, with a sauce like this I prefer using Kosher Salt opposed to table salt. Sea salt also works well too.
- Red Chili Pepper Flakes – Use more or less to taste, I deftly like my chimichurri with a bit of a bite so I have been know to add a bit more.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A good quality olive oil goes far in chimichurri.
For a complete detailed list of the ingredients continue towards the bottom of the page.
instructions
Add everything except the olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until everything is chopped and combined.
Add the olive oil and do a few pulses to combine. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
Ideas for Enjoying Chimichurri
Now that you have a batch of flavorful chimichurri ready, let’s explore the myriad of ways to savor this culinary delight:
- Grilled Meats: Chimichurri is the perfect accompaniment for grilled steaks, chicken, or pork. Drizzle it generously over your cooked meat for an explosion of flavors. The bright, tangy sauce beautifully complements the rich, smoky flavors imparted by the grill.
- Roasted Vegetables: Elevate simple roasted vegetables by tossing them with a spoonful of chimichurri before serving. The sauce adds a burst of freshness, transforming vegetables into a vibrant side dish.
- Seafood Sensations: Whether you’re grilling shrimp, searing scallops, or baking fish, chimichurri provides an excellent flavor pairing. The herby sauce cuts through the richness of the seafood, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread a dollop of chimichurri onto your favorite sandwich or wrap for an instant flavor upgrade. Its tangy profile adds a delightful kick, making each bite a tantalizing experience.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve chimichurri as a dipping sauce alongside crusty bread, crispy fries, or even empanadas. Its robust flavors and vibrant green hue make it an eye-catching and delicious addition to any appetizer spread.
tips, tricks and questions
Due to the olive oil the chimichurri sauce will solidify in the fridge, so make sure you take it out before you are ready to use it to give it a chance to warm up.
Does chimichurri have onion in it?
A shallot and/or onion is used in many recipes for chimichurri while many don’t include it. Honestly I really think it is up to personal preference, I really like the addition of the shallot. If you want to leave it out you certainly can.
Let’s talk fresh oregano:
Often fresh oregano is used in Chimichurri recipes, I do not have fresh oregano available to me very often so I use dried oregano. If you happen to have fresh oregano available to you I recommend using it, at least double the amount of the dried oregano, or even more if you like the taste.
Is chimichurri sauce spicy?
Not too spicy, it does have a kick because it does contain red pepper flakes. Overall I would describe it as zesty opposed to spicy. Of course you can use more or less red pepper flakes to make it less or more spicy.
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Chimichurri Recipe
Chimichurri is a simple yet powerful combination of fresh herbs, garlic, oil, vinegar, and spices. A perfect condiment that is so versatile and a great recipe to have in your back pocket. Great with grilled meats, seafood, on sandwiches, and has a dip for appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh Italian parsley, loosely packed
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 small/medium shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ lemon juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, or more to taste
- ½ – ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add everything except the olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until everything is chopped and combined.
- Add the olive oil and do a few pulses to combine. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
Notes
This sauce needs to be refrigerated but keep in mind that the olive oil with solidify in the fridge, so make sure you take it out and give it time to come to room temperature before using.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
2 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 103Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 274mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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