Chimichurri

Why Make This Recipe

Chimichurri is a tasty and versatile sauce that brings a burst of flavor to many dishes. This vibrant green sauce originated in Argentina and has become popular around the world. It is easy to make and adds a fresh, herby kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or even bread. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Chimichurri

Ingredients

• ½ packed cup parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Wash and pat dry the parsley. Remove the thicker stems and finely chop it.
2. Peel the garlic and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the core (if any) and then finely mince the garlic.
3. In a small mixing bowl or a medium-sized jar, add the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and vinegar.
4. Mix well with a spoon, and your chimichurri is ready. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chimichurri

Chimichurri is perfect for drizzling over grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp. It also works well as a marinade for meats before cooking. For something lighter, serve it with roasted or grilled vegetables. You can even use chimichurri as a dip for crusty bread or as a topping for tacos.

How to Store Chimichurri

Chimichurri can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, so it often tastes even better the day after you make it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in small portions using ice cube trays.

Tips to Make Chimichurri

• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor. If you can, try to use flat-leaf parsley as it has a better taste than curly parsley.
• Feel free to adjust the garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you like more spice, add a bit more red pepper flakes.
• Let the chimichurri sit for a little while before serving to allow the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Variation

For a fun twist, you can add other herbs like cilantro or mint to the recipe. You can also try substituting lemon juice for red wine vinegar for a brighter flavor.

FAQs

Can I make chimichurri in advance?

Yes, you can make chimichurri ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, and the flavors will get better over time.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

While you can use dried parsley, fresh parsley gives chimichurri a much brighter and better taste.

Is chimichurri spicy?

Chimichurri can be mildly spicy depending on the amount of red pepper flakes you use. You can tailor the spice level to your preference by adding more or less.