Chimichurri Rice

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When we think of South American cuisine, we often wander to sizzling steaks, empanadas, or ceviche. Still, an unsung hero deserves its moment in the culinary spotlight: chimichurri rice. This delectable side dish has long been a staple in Argentine households, and it’s high time we bring its unique flavors and charm to tables across the globe.

Delve into the world of chimichurri rice as we unveil its secrets and explore how to create this easy and flavor-packed masterpiece.

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What does chimichurri rice taste like?

The prominent flavors of fresh herbs like parsley and oregano lend a vibrant, earthy taste to the rice, while the piquant garlic adds depth and complexity. The tangy red wine vinegar provides a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the rice, and the robust, slightly spicy notes from red pepper flakes to red chili pepper add a mild kick of heat to the dish.

Altogether, chimichurri rice offers diverse flavors, combining the herbaceous, tangy, garlicky, and spicy elements in an invigorating and satisfying way. The unique taste of chimichurri rice makes it an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or vegetables, as it enhances and complements a wide range of dishes with its bright, bold flavors.

Pairing Suggestions: Complementary Dishes for Chimichurri Rice

Chimichurri rice is a wonderful side dish that pairs wonderfully with various proteins and vegetables. Here are some scrumptious options to serve alongside your chimichurri rice:

Grilled meats: From beef and pork to chicken and lamb, chimichurri rice complements grilled meats’ smoky, savory flavors. Try serving it with Argentine asado, a mixed grilled of meats, for a true Argentinian experience.

Fish: Grilled or pan-seared fish, such as salmon, tilapia, or cod, benefit from the zesty, herbaceous notes of chimichurri rice. The tanginess of the rice cuts through the richness of the fish, creating a well-balanced meal.

Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms, make a delectable plant-based pairing for chimichurri rice. The dish’s vibrant flavors enhance the natural sweetness and smokiness of the veggies.

Empanadas: Golden, flaky empanadas filled with savory meat or vegetable mixtures are a delightful accompaniment to chimichurri rice. The contrasting textures and flavors make for a satisfying and dynamic meal.

Salads: A crisp, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to chimichurri rice. Opt for leafy greens like arugula or spinach, and toss in some cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onions for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating: Keeping Your Chimichurri Rice Fresh

To ensure your chimichurri rice remains as delectable as when it was first made, follow these storage and reheating tips:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chimichurri rice to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freezing: Place the cooled chimichurri rice in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag for longer storage. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chimichurri rice in a microwave, using a microwave-safe container, or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and steams hot.

Dietary Considerations: Adapting Chimichurri Rice for Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Diets

Chimichurri rice can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing its characteristic flavors:

• Vegetarian: Chimichurri rice is naturally vegetarian, making it a delicious and satisfying option for those following a meat-free diet.
• Vegan: To make chimichurri rice vegan, use a vegan-friendly oil, such as olive or avocado oil, instead of any animal-based fat. The dish is otherwise naturally vegan.
• Gluten-Free: Chimichurri rice is naturally gluten-free. However, use gluten-free vegetable broth or stock if the recipe calls for it, as some brands may contain gluten.

FAQs

What is the ratio of water to Jasmine rice?

The perfect ratio is 1.5 cups of water to every cup of rice. If you feel like you’ve added too much water, cook without the lid on medium heat until the water evaporates, then reduce to low heat and continue to cook without a cover.

Do I need to rinse Jasmine Rice?

Yes, rinse the rice until the water is almost clear. It takes 3-4 rinses. Make it easy by using a mesh strainer and bowl. Rinsing the rice removes the starch, resulting in a fluffy recipe.

Is chimichurri supposed to be spicy?

Chimichurri can be spicy, but it doesn’t have to be. The level of spiciness in chimichurri can vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences.

For example, some recipes call for chili flakes or fresh chili peppers, which can add a bit of heat to the sauce.

However, other recipes omit the spicy ingredients and focus more on the herbaceous and tangy flavors of the sauce.

If you prefer your chimichurri to be less spicy, you can adjust the recipe using less chili or omitting it entirely. You can also use a milder variety of chili pepper or a different spice to add flavor to the sauce.

Ultimately, the spiciness in chimichurri is up to you, and you can customize it to suit your taste.

Try this smoky recipe – Bobby Flay’s Chimichurri recipe.

Or this  Authentic Chimichurri Recipe.

Why is my rice always sticky?

There may be a few reasons why the rice is sticky.

• Too much water.
• The heat was too low.
• It was on the heat and cooked for too long.

The benefit of this stovetop jasmine rice recipe is your control over the recipe.

For example, if you have added too much water, you can increase the heat or remove some water to prevent it from becoming mushy stovetop jasmine rice.

Here are some top tips for making the perfect chimichurri rice

Quality of the Jasmine Rice

The quality of the jasmine rice is crucial for a great final result. Choosing excellent quality jasmine rice ensures the grain is fluffy and decadent.

Rinse the Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove the excess starch to prevent the grains from sticking together.

Use the Right amount of water

The right amount of water in this stovetop jasmine rice recipe will ensure the rice is perfectly cooked. For every cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of water.

Chimichurri Recipe

To make the perfect chimichurri for this recipe, I have reduced the amount of oil to the traditional one.

Less oil to keep the chimichurri rice from being too oily and guarantee a bowl of fluffy rice.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Rice

Use organic jasmine rice. However, it works if you have non-organic jasmine or basmati rice.

If you can’t find jasmine, use long-grain rice. The long grain will make give you a separated and fluffy grain.

Parsley and Cilantro

This chimichurri rice is made with an authentic chimichurri recipe. However, you can replace half of the parsley with cilantro.

To mix in the cilantro, swap half a cup of parsley with half a cup.

Red Chili Pepper

If you like the smidge of spiciness, increase the recipe from 1/2 a red chili pepper to a whole pepper. And if you only have red pepper flakes, use the flakes instead of the pepper. 

Instructions

Water

Use filtered water, and boil. Add the salt, onion salt, and oil.

Rice

Rinse the rice using a fine mesh strainer in running water and place the strainer with rice in a mixing bowl. Submerge the rice in water and use your hand to move the rice around. This will help loosen the starch. 

Do this 3-4 times until the water turns white to a translucent white.

Allow the rice to drain, and pour it into the pot of water once it starts to boil.

Chimichurri

1 cup – Parsley

2 cloves – Fresh Garlic

1 tbsp – Red Wine Vinegar

1 tbsp – Lemon Juice

1/2 tbsp – Olive Oil

1 tbsp – Fresh Oregano

1/2 whole – Chili Pepper

1 pinch – Salt

Destem the parsley, rinse, and allow it to dry. 

Remove the seeds from the chili pepper, clean and dry.

In a food processor, chop all of the ingredients for 10 seconds. You can quickly chop the ingredients on a cutting board if you prefer to chop them manually.

Chimichurri Rice

Allow the rice to cool slightly. Add the rice in a medium-sized mixing bowl, then drizzle on the chimichurri. Mix the rice and sauce with a large spoon. Enjoy this delicious chimichurri rice with a side of air fryer boneless thighs. 🙂

Try this Chimichurri Recipe:

Authentic Chimichurri Recipe