What do you think when you hear words like chimichurri or chutney or gremolata?

You have probably seen these words on menus in nice restaurants and have watched chefs making dishes with them on The Food Network.  When you taste them, you know they add amazing flavor to your meals, but you may assume it’s only something an experienced professional chef can do…not something to include in your everyday meals at home.

NOT SO FAST!

We have great news…despite their fancy-sounding names, these toppings are SUPER-EASY to prepare, and they do add amazing flavor to your meals!  We have developed a summary of some of these “fancy chef words” to help us non-chefs overcome any intimidation we may have and find the confidence to try these at home.  We included example ingredients so you can see how simple they can be and, remember, there are many variations.  For example, pesto can be made with your favorite combination of fresh herbs, nuts, oil and cheese.  So, get creative and explore the possibilities!

Go ahead and try these at home…

you will impress your family and friends and, more importantly, will provide another way for your loved ones to enjoy healthy and delicious meals using REAL food!  Eat REAL America members tell us, “I had no idea I liked chutney!” and “chimichurri has a ton of flavor…I love it and can’t wait to put it on everything!”

Chimichurri

South American / Mexican

Featuring: parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes and white or red wine vinegar.

Great with grilled meats.

Eat REAL America favorites:  Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Chimichurri, Brazilian Inspired Pizza, Grilled Chimichurri Chicken & Veggie Skewers, Roasted Veggie Salad with Chimichurri, Grilled Potato Salad with Chimichurri, Blackened Chicken with Mango & Chimichurri, and Grilled Steak Panini.

 

 

Pesto

Italian.

Featuring: fresh basil, pine nuts or other soft nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese and olive oil.  A version without nuts is called pistou.

Learn more in our coaching tip Abracadabra…Pesto!

Goes excellent with pasta, pizza, roasted veggies and seafood.

Eat REAL America favorites:  Spinach Artichoke Pesto Pizza, Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken, Walnut Pesto Pasta, Kale Pesto Quinoa Bowl, Pesto Baked Wings, Green Minestrone with Pistachio Kale Pesto, Pesto Veggie Breakfast Burritos, Pesto Panko Crusted Trout, Roasted Butternut Squash & Pesto Grilled Cheese, and more!

 

 

Tzatziki

Greek.

Featuring: yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar and dill.

Great with grilled meats or as a dip.

Eat REAL America favorites:  Middle Eastern Nachos, Farmers’ Market Greek Lamb Dip, Greek Style Quinoa Bowl, Feta Stuffed Lamb Burgers, and Kibbe Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce!

 

 

Chutney

Indian-inspired.

There are many variations, including those focused on mango or other seasonal fruits, tomato, coconut, ginger, mint or cilantro.

Excellent served with curry dishes, meats, bread and cheese.

Eat REAL America favorites: Cranberry Apricot Chutney, Turkey, Cranberry and Brie Grilled Cheese, and Grilled Chicken with Rhubarb Chutney!

 

 

 

 

Chermoula and Zhoug

Chermoula (Moroccan) and Zhoug (Yemen).

Featuring: cilantro, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil and lemon juice.

Great with seafood, meats and roasted vegetables.

Eat REAL America favorite: Chermoula-Inspired Spice Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas and Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpeas with Zhoug Sauce!

 

 

Gremolata

Italian.

Featuring: lemon zest, garlic and parsley.

Goes excellent served over veggies, fish, chicken or pasta.

Eat REAL America favorites: Greek Goulash, Spaghetti Squash Gremolata, and Lamb Crostini with Asparagus Gremolata.

 

 

 

 

 

Balsamic Reduction

Original balsamic vinegar originated in Italy.

Featuring: balsamic vinegar (simmered until it becomes concentrated and sweet).

Perfect as a topping for salads, fruits, bread, seafood and meats.

Eat REAL America favorites:  Strawberry Basil Chicken, Strip Steak Over Shaved Brussels Sprouts, EBLT with Balsamic Mayo, Grilled Peaches, Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad, Roasted Stuffed Dates, Caprese Bruschetta, and Veg Out Flatbread Pizza!

 

Bon Appetit!