Leading Lady Spotlight: Lori. Lori is joy. Lori is light. Lori is also Shazam in walking human form, which I learned on our recent family vacation during a night of music, giggles, and very impressive song and artist recognition. She’s hilarious, wonderfully smart, interesting and self-aware, yet doesn’t take herself too seriously. She loves food the way I do: with a lip smack at the first bite and absolute savoring of the last. Watching her enjoy something delicious is almost as good as eating it yourself. Almost.
On our recent family vacation, I got to stand beside her while she chopped the herbs for this chimichurri, then enjoy it with her over steak. One of those dinners where the food is incredible, the company is even better, and you wish you could keep everyone around the table a little longer. Lori is a tremendous mom, wife, and friend, and I am so lucky to know her. So make this for the friends who turn dinner into your favorite part of the trip. Spoon generously. Stay for another song.
Recipe card: Here
Serves: 6 (generously)
Prep time: 15 minutes. No cooking required. Let the flavors mingle before serving.
What You’ll Need
1 big bunch cilantro
1 big bunch parsley
2–4 garlic cloves, finely minced, pressed, or microplaned
1–2 red Fresno chilies (or similar), finely chopped, seeds and ribs removed unless you like heat!
Up to ¼ cup red wine vinegar
Around ½ cup good olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make
First, finely chop your cilantro and parsley, discarding the thick stems. Add to a bowl with the garlic and chopped chilies. Start with two garlic cloves and one chili—you can always add more.
Second, stir in a few tablespoons of red wine vinegar and the olive oil. Add salt and pepper, then give it a taste. A little more vinegar for tang, another clove of garlic for punch, more chili if you like a little fire. Add a splash more olive oil if you want a looser sauce.
Finally, let everything mingle for 15–30 minutes if you have the time, then taste once more before serving. Spoon generously over your steak and enjoy every last bite.
