Classic Argentinian chimichurri is made by combining finely chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. The mixture is then allowed to sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Detailed Explanation:
Chimichurri is a vibrant and flavorful uncooked sauce used in Argentinian cuisine, primarily as an accompaniment to grilled meats. Here's how to make it:
- Gather your ingredients: You'll need:
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Mix well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Let it rest: Allow the chimichurri to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or preferably a few hours, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
- Adjust to taste: Before serving, taste the chimichurri and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or vinegar to suit your preference.
Pro Tip:
For a smoother chimichurri, you can use a food processor to pulse the ingredients instead of chopping them by hand. However, be careful not to over-process, as you want to retain some texture. Hand-chopping generally yields a better result.