Chimichurri facts for kids
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| Type | Condiment |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Argentina, Uruguay |
| Main ingredients | finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes and red wine vinegar |
| Similar dishes | Persillade Wasakaka |
Chimichurri is a popular uncooked sauce. It comes from Argentina and Uruguay. People use it as a special topping for grilled meats. It's also used as an ingredient when cooking.
Chimichurri can be green (called chimichurri verde) or red (called chimichurri rojo). It's usually made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar. It's a bit like a Moroccan sauce called chermoula.
What's in a Name?
The name "chimichurri" might come from a Spanish word, chirriburri. This word means 'hubbub' or a noisy mix. It could also be from a Basque word, tximitxurri. This means 'hodgepodge' or a mix of different things. Many people from the Basque region settled in Argentina a long time ago.
Some fun stories say the name comes from English words. For example, "Jimmy's Curry" or "gimme curry." But these stories are probably not true. There are no old documents to prove them.
How to Make and Use It
Chimichurri always starts with finely chopped parsley. But other ingredients can change. Most recipes include red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. People also add sunflower or olive oil. Sometimes, a little hot water is added too.
Some recipes might also add shallots or onions. A squeeze of lemon juice can be used as well. You can brush chimichurri onto meat while it cooks. Or, you can spoon it over cooked meat before serving. It's often served with asados, which are big grilled meat meals. It goes great with grilled steaks, roasted sausages, chicken, or fish.
Other Ways the Word is Used
In the Dominican Republic, the word chimichurri means something different. There, a chimichurri or chimi is a type of hamburger. It's topped with chopped cabbage and a sauce called salsa golf.
In León, Mexico, chimichurri is a special pizza topping. It's made with mayonnaise, mustard, chile de árbol, white vinegar, garlic, oil, and salt. This sauce is orange and very popular in the city.
See also
In Spanish: Chimichurri para niños
