Fresh Cilantro Chimichurri with Crispy Cilantro Stems

Ingredients

- 1 cup packed cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro stems
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the cilantro leaves and stems under cold running water. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

2. Chimichurri Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup packed cilantro leaves with 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of olive oil, constantly whisking to incorporate.
- Add in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, mixing well to blend all flavors.

3. Crispy Cilantro Stems:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat on the stove.
- Once the skillet is preheated, add the 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro stems to the skillet without any oil.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stems are slightly crispy and have a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them; lower the heat if necessary.

4. Combine and Serve:
- Once the cilantro stems are crispy, remove them from the stove and let them cool slightly.
- Gently fold the crispy cilantro stems into the chimichurri sauce to add texture and a delightful crunch.
- Serve the cilantro chimichurri as a refreshing dip with crusty bread or as a tantalizing topping for grilled veggies, tofu, or even on toasted crostinis for a quick snack.

Preparation & Cooking Times

Preparation Time:
PT10M
10 minutes

Cooking Time:
PT5M
5 minutes

Total Time

PT15M
15 minutes

Type of Dish

Snack

Keywords

Cilantro Chimichurri, Simple Snack Recipe, Flavorful Dip, Crispy Cilantro Stems, Vegetarian Snack, Easy Sauce Recipe, Herb Dip, Fresh Herbs, Quick Snack, Vegan Sauce

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 540

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