Mint Chimichurri/Chutney

I’ve gotten several requests for the Mint Chimichurri sauce that my son and I created to serve for our Easter lunch.  So here it is. We made this because Stephen loves lamb and really wanted to have it the English fashion with Mint Jelly.  But of course, we didn’t have any mint jelly as I forgot to buy it, but we always have fresh mint so this sauce was born.  Now, I have to admit that it is not my favorite meat. But, we marinated it overnight and it turned out wonderfully.  Stephen loves Chimichurri sauce since he grew up with Argentinian friends who regularly served a wonderful version at their family barbecues. It is usually made from a combination of Olive Oil, Garlic, Parsley, Oregano, Red Wine Vinegar and some red chili flakes.  We decided to do a fusion sauce and bring in a Serrano Chili instead and added a shallot because we like the flavor so much.  Our sauce ended up almost like an Indian Mint Chutney, but without the Cilantro and Ginger. So if you want to add those, be sure to use the lime. In any case, it was a delicious accompaniment to the lamb and I want to try it next on some baked fish. 

Mint Chimichurri Sauce

1 ½ cups of fresh mint leaves, stripped from the stem

1 small Serrano chili, seeded and minced

1 small shallot, chopped

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar (can also use lime/lemon juice)

½  teaspoon sugar or more (depending on the sourness of the vinegar or lime juice)

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Five Element Analysis

Mint is primarily thought to belong to the Metal Element as it has such a lovely pungent aroma, but it also has some of the Wood Element too as it grows so fast.  The garlic and onions add more Metal, whereas the Red Wine Vinegar or Lime Juice brings in more of the Wood Element.  So, this is primarily a Wood and Metal condiment and very helpful in balancing other elements in a meal.  We served it with Roast Leg of Lamb, which is a Fire Food and Roasted Potatoes, which are an Earth Food and an Asparagus Salad dressed with Sesame Oil and Tamari, which brought in the Water Elements to create a balanced meal.