All-Purpose Chimichurri Seasoning & Sauce - Au Naturale!

​Are you tired of using the same old spice combinations?  Try chimichurri!
It originates from South America and has a fantastic flair of flavor that can can be used as a versatile, all-purpose spice in your kitchen and on the grill.  It's a winner!

What is chimichurri?

Traditionally, chimichurri is an uncooked, flavorful sauce for grilled meat. It comes in a green version (chimichurri verde) and a red version (chimichurri rojo) and comes from Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisine.  And, while I've never been there to verify it, it's said that a bowl of chimichurri can be found on nearly every dinner table in Brazil, too.

The name of the sauce probably comes from the Basque word "tximitxurri", approximately chee-mee-choo-ree. It's loosely translated as "a mixture of several things in no particular order".  Many European Basque peoples settled in Argentina in the 19th century. (source)

Chimichurri is often made from finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and white or red wine vinegar. Additional flavorings such as paprika, cumin, thyme, lemon, basil, cilantro, and bay leaf may be included. In its red version, tomato and red bell pepper may also be added. 

When you taste chimichurri, each bite is rich in flavor.  Sometimes it's tangy, or spicy, or garlicky.  YUM!

It's definitely an all-purpose seasoning.  Chimichurri can be used to marinate meat or as a finishing sauce on grilled meat.  (For food safety reasons, do not re-use any marinades.)  In addition to steak, it also pairs nicely with pork, lamb, and chicken. It's also wonderful on top of grilled vegetables.  See... it's very versatile!!

There are also two different ways to prepare Chimichurri:  

1. A wet sauce: Chopped fresh herbs and spices mixed with olive oil and red/white wine vinegar.  (It looks similar to pesto, but a completely different flavor.)  Store bought chimichurri sauce is available bottled.  However, I am no longer able to find a product anywhere that doesn't come with questionable preservatives or unhealthy oils like canola oil or soybean oil.
2. A dehydrated spice mix: This is for future preparation by mixing it with olive oil and water to for a lovely dressing or marinade. Or, it can be simply used dry, as-is, to season your food.  Or, use it like a steak rub.  This pre-made mix on Amazon looks pretty good. But, try my recipe below first.  :-)

Your first choice should be to always to use fresh ingredients, especially herbs, which are loaded with antioxidants. However, it's always nice to have some dry chimichurri mix on hand in the kitchen.  So, I recommend simply making your own at home!

​
​Dry Chimichurri Seasoning 

Use dried spices; organic preferably.  Simply Organic brand spices are awesome! Dried spices and herbs still have plenty of nutritional value, especially if they were dried fresh.  However, the longer they sit on the shelf, the less flavorful and nutritious they are.  Maybe now is the time to go through your spice shelf and re-stock!?

Combine these in a bowl.  
(Feel free to change up the ingredients as you desire.)

2 Tbsp of each:

• parsley
• oregano
• basil
• garlic power
• chili powder
• onion flakes
• cilantro 

1 Tbsp of each:

• sea salt
• pepper

This ends up making approx  1+ cup of dried chimichurri mix.

It's not necessary, but you can opt to put it in a food processor for a finer consistency.

​Store in a sealed container in the pantry.

​Basic Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

1. Mix 1/4 cup of your dried chimichurri seasoning with 2 Tbsp water and 2 Tbsp red/white wine vinegar.
2. Allow it to sit at least 15 minutes for the dried spices to re-hydrate.
3. Add in 1/4 cup of Kasandrinos olive oil.
4. Use to marinate or season your cooked meat (or see other uses below).  Enjoy!
5. Store any unused portions in the refrigerator for a day or two (no preservatives here!)

​Kasandrinos olive oil:
The best olive oil on the planet!  
​It's top of the line in every way (except price).   Their olive oil is 100% pure and made from a Greek family business.  It perfectly compliments the Paleo and Mediterranean diets. Opa!!  
(A US veteran owned business, too.)

More Chimichurri Uses:

Dry chimichurri seasoning is what makes my recipe for Savory Beef Pot Roast with Potatoes and Gravy  - Au Naturale! taste so darn good!

​

​Chimichurri sauce is what makes the fantastic taste in my recipe for Chicken Salad Au Naturale - NO Mayo Involved!

• drizzle or sprinkle it on top of pizza
• mix it in with rice or on top of potatoes
• add it to a breakfast frittata
• brush it on kebabs
• sprinkle it on salads
• drizzle it on grilled vegetables
• use it in Oven Roasted Vegetables
• season soups and stews

Pin it: