Traditional Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is an iconic sauce from Argentine cuisine, typically served with grilled meats, especially during traditional asados. It is a fresh, vibrant sauce that adds flavor and enhances the taste of meats or even grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Fresh oregano, finely chopped (or dried if fresh is not available)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
• Green onions (scallions), finely chopped
• 1 small red chili pepper, deseeded and chopped (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Red wine vinegar: 2-3 tablespoons
• Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added freshness)
• Neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola oil): 4-6 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
   Finely chop the parsley and oregano. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions. Also, chop the red chili (removing seeds to control the spice level).

2. Mix the herbs and spices:
   In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: parsley, oregano, green onions, and garlic. Add the chopped red chili if you like a bit of heat.

3. Add the liquids:
   Pour in the red wine vinegar and the lemon juice (if using). Stir well to mix the ingredients together.

4. Incorporate the oil:
   Gradually add the neutral oil while stirring until you get a smooth and well-blended sauce. You can adjust the oil amount based on your preferred consistency.

5. Season:
   Add salt and pepper to taste. The chimichurri should be well-seasoned but not overly salty.

6. Let it rest:
   Allow the sauce to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can meld together. You can also prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions:

Chimichurri is traditionally served with grilled meats, such as steaks, ribs, or skewers. It’s also excellent for marinating meats before cooking or as a condiment for grilled vegetables or sandwiches.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice tolerance.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of oil or add a bit of crumbled bread while mixing.
• For an extra flavor boost, try adding smoked paprika to the mix.

Note: Chimichurri has many variations. Some recipes include spices like cumin or herbs like thyme, but the traditional version is simple, with fresh and bold ingredients.