Tasty Tuesday … Vegan Chimichurri Bowl

by incahootswithmuddyboots
July 19, 2016
20 comments
Cooking, Culinary Adventures Abroad ..., Photography, Tasty Tuesday ..., Vegan Dishes, Vegetarian Cooking

Last year, we stopped by an Argentinian bistro in Toulouse, France. This was my first time eating Argentinian cuisine. Generally, there isn’t a whole lot to choose from the menu for vegetarians, because of the meat centered cuisine of Argentina. We lucked out that day, and had some delicious vegetable empanadas served with chimichurri sauce. Yum!

 

Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina, eaten especially with steak. It’s kind of like pesto in Italy, or ketchup here in the US. The waiter explained to me that there are many variations of this sauce in Argentina. Some recipes include cilantro and mint, others only parsley and oregano. Some cooks use vinegar, others lemon juice. I imagine that the different regions in the country also influence the ingredients and flavors. As long as really fresh herbs are used, you can’t go wrong drizzling this herbal sauce on all kinds of food …

So when I came home from the farm market with several bunches of fresh herbs last weekend, I decided to make a chimichurri sauce to serve as a topping for a lentil, quinoa and vegetable bowl. The sauce turned out incredibly delicious! The combination of parsley, cilantro and mint, with the addition of garlic, fresh lemon juice and a little chile for a little heat will surely awaken your tastebuds.

For the Beluga lentils, I simply simmered them in water, and seasoned with a little salt, some Chipotle Tabasco hot sauce and a half teaspoon of liquid smoke. They cooked up in about 45 minutes and were delicious!

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For the roasted vegetables, I cut up an assortment of veggies and roasted them at 425° for about 45 minutes, using only olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. I used summer squash, green beans, red onion, golden beets, zucchini, red bell peppers and Japanese eggplants. Don’t overcrowd the vegetables on the baking sheet! I used two sheets and rotated them about half way through. Stir them up every so often, and let them get get a little blackened in spots. Mine had shrunk by almost half once they were done.

 

All that goodness topped with a little chimichurri, and you’ve got a symphony of flavors waking up your tastebuds!

The sauce will be rather strong and pungent if tasted alone. That’s what you want! Once it’s added to your food, it will be just right!

So, finally, here’s the Chimichurri recipe:

 

  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro ( I used the stems as well)
  • 2 cups fresh Italian parsley
  • a 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
  • 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • 1 small chile pepper
  • sea salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup good quality olive oil

 

Put all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely minced and well combined.
You could also use a blender if that’s what you have.
Serve chilled, or at room temperature.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

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This post is part of the monthly link up party Our Growing Edge. This event aims to connect food bloggers and inspire us to try new things. This month is hosted by Sophie at Cooking Trips.

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My passions in life are vegetarian cooking, gardening, photography, writing, good books, traveling and nature. Thanks for stopping by, Sabine

20 thoughts on “Tasty Tuesday … Vegan Chimichurri Bowl”

  1. Bunny Eats Design says:

    I love that you’ve recreated an Argentine meal you had in France. Funny how food travels so far and can stay with us for such a long time.

    This post would make a great addition to Our Growing Edge, a monthly blog link up just for new food adventures. It’s a fun way to share your new food experiences with other foodies. This month’s theme is TRAVEL which includes any recipe or food experience inspired by travel or another place.

    More info including how to submit your link here: http://bunnyeatsdesign.com/our-growing-edge/

    Liked by 1 person

  2. insearchofitall says:

    It looks very pretty. I’m just eating leftovers so I can clean the fridge and freezer then I’ll buy groceries. 🙂 Have a fun day. The heat is coming. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Anne Strasser says:

    I love Tasty Tuesday! You always come up with something new and delicious. Thank you! I am going to have to see what vegetables I have. I know I have the herbs and lentils so we are all set for dinner tonight. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Missy says:

    I have the herbs and lemons, but the lentils were made into a Moroccan soup last night. Oh well, it’s an excuse to make a trip to the market. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Al Arias says:

    I was the lucky one that tasted that really delicious meal around wonderful company as they often spoiled me 🙂 Plus take to go for next day, couldn’t have enough. I am not sure if the lentils, the Original Chimichurri sauce, or the whole combination was the reason for such wonderful taste, but it is GREAT! One thing is for sure, the love in that kitchen it has not match. That most be it. Love you guys.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. SnowSomewhere says:

    I have very fond memories of empanadas in Argentina. We had them almost daily. They were so luscious and generous, often still warm from the oven. We’d buy them at supermarkets, bakeries, anywhere really. The best ones were from a restaurant called Desnivel in Buenos Aires. (Meat mostly, but tuna and chicken were good, too). Great post! I wish there was an Argentinean restaurant in Helsinki!

    Liked by 1 person

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