“Eating is a necessity but cooking is an art” – Unknown

This week’s recipe is…
Argentinian Chimichurri Meatballs!

What Argentinian dish includes meatballs, chimichurri, and is absolutely mouthwatering? That recipe is Argentinian chimichurri meatballs! Argentinian chimichurri meatballs are made from garlic, onions, fresh cilantro leaves, swiss chard, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, ground pork, ground beef, canola oil, fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, olive oil, rice, water, and corn. This recipe will make 4 servings. Check out the Argentinian Chimichurri Meatballs Recipe, to dig into the specifics. Now that we’ve learned about what’s in our mango curry chicken skewers, let’s talk about the history of the chimichurri!

HISTORY OF CHIMICHURRI!

What is chimichurri you might ask? Chimichurri (also spelled chimmichurri) is an uncooked sauce that is used in cooking which is usually made in a green or red version. The sauce originated in Argentina and is typically made of minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, red wine vinegar, and finely chopped parsley. Very similar to our recipe, minus the red wine vinegar!

Alright, so it’s a sauce, but what about that name, chimichurri? Well, the name for the sauce is believed to originate from Basque (a language) which is loosely translated to mean “a mixture of several things in no particular order.” In the 19th century, many Basques had settled into Argentina. There are also some myths that try to explain the somewhat fun name such as claims that it was originally called “Jimmy Curry” but it was mispronounced and passed down that way (of course this is false). Other false claims include “Jimmy McCurry” or “give me curry”, but again, there is no evidence to support these stories, although it’s a fun thought.

In chimichurri’s red form, tomato and red bell pepper may also be added to the recipe. Chimichurri is typically applied by being brushed, basted, or spooned onto the meat (or meatballs!) as it cooks, or onto the surface of the meat as it rests.

TRIVIA (FUN FOOD FACTS!)

Question: What are the two colors that chimichurri is typically made in?

Answer: Green and red!

Question: What is a Basque?

Answer: A Basque a person that originates from the Basque country, a region in northern Spain close to the border with France, along Spain’s northern coast.

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