Chimichurri
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- Not to be confused with the Dominican dish chimichurris.
Chimichurri is a kind of green sauce, also used as a marinade, for grilled meat. It is originally from Argentina but is now used in countries as far north as Nicaragua.[1]
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[edit] Origin
Chimichurri (also spelled Chimmichurri) originated from Argentina and Uruguay, is a popular sauce used with grilled meat in many Latin American countries.[2][3] It is told that the unusual name comes from 'Jimmy McCurry', an Irishman who is said to have first prepared the sauce. He was marching with the troops of General Jasson Ospina in the 19th century, sympathetic to the cause of Argentine independence. The sauce was popular and the recipe was passed on. However, 'Jimmy McCurry' was difficult for the native people to say. Some sources claim Jimmy's sauce's name was corrupted to 'chimichurri', while others say it was changed in his honor.[4]
Other similar stories involve Jimmy Curry, an English meat importer; a Scot, James C. Hurray, travelling with gauchos; and an English family in Patagonia overheard by the group of Argentinians that were with them while saying "give me the curry". All the stories share an English speaking colonist and the corruption of names or words by the local population.
[edit] Preparation
Chimichurri is made from finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, vegetable oil or olive oil, white or red vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Additional flavorings such as paprika (pimenton dulce), oregano, cumin, thyme, cilantro, lemon, and bay leaf (laurel) may also be added. It is usually the only seasoning for steak and chorizo sausages in Argentine asados. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meat. Chimichurri is also available bottled or dehydrated for preparing with oil and water.
The preparation is likely a mixture of Spanish and Italian methods, a general reflection of Argentine society as a whole. The essential elements of chimichurri are common to both Spain and Italy. The overall compositions, taste and preparation are similar to French persillade.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.dvo.com/recipe_pages/grilln/Basic_Chimichurri.html Basic Chimichurri: The Best Basic Chimichurri Recipe from Cook'n
- ^ Asadoargentina.com: Description of the making and serving of chimichurri sauce
- ^ recipeland.com Sauces from around the world - ¶ 3
- ^ The Argentine Connection, article on grilled salmon, by Bob Kenly
