I remember the first time I had this exciting condiment. I recall opening my eyes very wide and looking at my dining companion, Christianne, exclaiming "wow! What is that?" We were in the middle of Buenos Aires, in 1990 at a traditional Argentine restaurant called "L'Estancia" on 'calle Florida'. If you've been to B.A. you will know that street. It's a festival ~ daily, as it's a central street which is closed to traffic and very lively. I am extremely fond of this city.. but let's get back to the chimichurri recipe -- sorry!
I've since enjoyed many versions of this chimichurri recipe ~ some better, some.. not so much.. There are versions on the market that taste and look nothing like the real Argentine condiment. This ChimiChurri recipe is only one way to make it ~ that's ok. Try it. Experiment!
So what is it?
Chimichurri is a spicy, vinegar-spiked, pesto-like condiment from Argentina where it’s used both as a sauce and a marinade for meat. Whatever way you decide to use it, it's a tasty way to add a touch of the sassy flair of Argentina to any grilled meat or fish, veggies or egg dishes. Why buy store-bought commercial when this condiment is minutes away? Try it! Make it in under 5 minutes!
DIY Chimichurri
Ingredients
Instructions
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It's easy to assemble.
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Into your food processor, add garlic, jalapeño pepper, parsley, oregano and red wine vinegar.
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Purée until coarsely chopped
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Pour in the olive oil while the food processor is running
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Process until a chunky sauce forms. It will be somewhat creamy too.
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Add salt to taste.
Recipe Notes
Serving: Makes about 2 cups
Adapted from via my dear friend Celina and her Argentine foodie friends!
Here's hoping you enjoy this easy recipe from the very south of South America!
This is close to that first explosive taste at L'Estancia (the Ranch) so many years ago.
By the ingredients, you know that it's a) good for you and b) an excellent herbal condiment plus c) detoxifying!
Garlic:
- immune boosting anti-microbial powerhouse
I have written so much about garlic. It's the base for most of what I enjoy every day! More about garlic's benefits here.
- anti-oxidant
- anti-bacterial,
- anti-fungal
- anti-inflammatory
Parsley:
- helps to flush excess fluid from the body (diuretic action)
- high in minerals ~ immune supportive
- contains folic acid which supports heart health
NOTE: contains oxalates ~ do not eat every day if you have kidney or gall bladder issues.
ADDENDUM: After I wrote and published this article, I was researching coriander and cilantro for the IHA's book of the year on this topic. I contacted my dear friend Celina (Argentine-born) who was having a 'girls weekend' here, but with gal pals from Argentina. I asked her for an authentic Chimichurri recipe. They came up with several, and confessed that the overall winner, had been texted to them from one of the friend's husbands, back home (who makes it regularly).
Guess what? NO CILANTRO to be found. NO cilantro anywhere in the recipe. (nada!)
The recipe above, has since been re-written to exclude CILANTRO -- as these gals were adamant.. NO CILANTRO in Chimichurri! So.. there you have it.. The verdict is in.. The recipe above is now the correct 'authenticated' version.
NOTE: CILANTRO tastes great in the recipe above. Swap out the oregano and add a small bunch of cilantro. The result? A very tasty sauce..It's NOT Chimichurri though ~ not that it matters unless you are a foodie purist -- I am not, but loved the story and the winding road I wandered to get to that original "WOW" from years ago!
Oh life.. is an adventure!!
It has become a year 'round favourite in my home. Let me know what you think!
Green wishes for wonderful days ahead ~ xo Carol
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Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
I can't wait to try out your recipe because I love chimichurri in every form so it's always awesome to try out someone else's favorite!
Jean
Love a good chimichurri and your version sounds amazing! Such a vibrant color too.
ChihYu
Love this recipe. It's so simple, delicious, and healthy, too. Thanks for sharing !
Hope
This looks so fresh and tasty! I bet it can jazz up any meat dish! Thanks for sharing its origins very interesting and the clarification on cilantro!
Lindsey Dietz
Chimichurri is one of my favorite condiments! I especially love making it with cilantro!
Carol Little
LOL.. Well I make it with cilantro.. too.. that's actually called something else... Will tag you when I post that..
I learned a lot from my South American girlfriends.. Promise to share.. Whatever the name? I agree. It's GOOD!!!!
Carol Little
When it contains cilantro -- its YUMMY for sure.. and has a different name in South America. I will write about it.. asap!
Joni Gomes
This looks yummy! Will need to try!
Yvonne
Can't wait to try out your authentic chimichurri recipe. Looks so fresh and flavorful!
Raia Todd
Love chimichurri. This version sounds easy and tasty!
Katrina
You had me at parsley and garlic! I've never made this before but now I'm very curious to try.
Tessa Simpson
Chimichirri is so versatile AND delicious!! Yum!
Tessa Simpson
Chimichirri is so versatile AND delicious!! Yum!
The Food Hunter
love the color!
Carol Little
Me too! So vibrant!!
anna@greentalk
Love this recipe. What a great marinade for meat!
Carol Little
We've been eating it all week with eggs and veggies too!
Megan Stevens
This looks amazing, Carol! I would love it! Thanks for sharing its origins, too. I liked hearing about your travel adventure.
Carol Little
Thanks Megan. Love Argentina. South America is such a passion for me!
Megan Stevens
I'd love to visit one day!
Carol Little
I hope that you get to go. It's truly a delightful country filled with friendly folks speaking my favourite language + tantalizing food + music ...... xoC
linda spiker
I LOVE chimmichurri! Such a healthy flavorful condiment/sauce!
Carol Little
Agreed Linda!!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I love making chimichurri sauce for my husband. Love all of the cilantro! Yum!
Carol Little
Me too. Hope you enjoy it as well Emily! Try the 'direct from Argentina' version
without Cilantro ~ just like the one I fell in love with, on my travels!
Alison
I love chimichurri but I never really thought about what was in it. I can't believe it is so simple to make. I am definitely trying some on my meat this weekend. Thanks!
Carol Little
Thanks Alison. It is indeed so easy! Hope you do make it.
Beth
This looks delicious. I love making one sauce to jazz up different meats throughout the week. Will definitely be trying this soon!
Carol Little
Great Beth. Hope you do and that your household loves it as much as mine!
Renee Kohley
I've never made chimichurri! I totally want to now though! I didn't realize it was so easy!
Carol Little
Hope you enjoy it Renee! We love it. and yes.. SO easy to put together.