Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce/salsa from Argentina that is easy to make and so versatile. The parsley, garlic and lemon combo wake up humdrum grilled meats and vegetables to make you take notice! (and take more!)

ChimichurRi Sauce

1 1/2 cups chopped flat-leaf, Italian parsley, bigger stems removed

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup minced red pepper, or hot pepper if you like more heat

¾ cups olive oil

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

pinch of cayenne pepper

-In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper and pinch of cayenne pepper. Add the olive oil mixture and the parsley to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse together about 5 times, until mixture is roughly mixed. Or, in the authentic tradition, combine the ingredients in a mortar and pestle, and grind with the pestle until roughly combined.

-Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste for seasoning, adding more if necessary. Serve as a sauce over pork, chicken or beef and over grilled or roasted vegetables. Chimichurri also adds tons of flavor to sandwiches with meats and vegetables. Makes about 1 ½ cups sauce, enough to serve as a condiment for 6 - 8 people.

Mince fresh parsley leaves and garlic to get the party started! Add other ingredients then briefly pulse in a food processor, or grind in a mortar and pestle.

Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice to create a silky texture.

Serve the Chimchurri as a condiment to grilled meats or vegetables.

Chimchurri is also excellent served drizzled over roasted or grilled vegetables.

Start with a drizzle over a serving of grilled meat, but serve as a condiment on the side for those of us who want to pile on more and more!

PERSNICKETY NOTES:

-Similar to pesto, chimichurri sauce can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, though its vibrant green color will darken. It is best eaten within the first few days after making. It can also be stored in the freezer in ice cube trays for easy, single-portion servings. When ready to use, let thaw at room temperature.