GARDEN
AUTHENTIC CHIMICHURRI
Nothing beats a succulent steak fresh off the braai , properly rested , sliced about 5cm thick , with a good helping of chimichurri sauce piled on top , served with a warm ciabatta and your favourite braai salad . If you haven ’ t tried it yet , use your fresh garden herbs to make a jar of this tangy , tasty sauce – chances are you ’ ll never be without it again . It will be a big hit with guests !
INGREDIENTS
• 1 / 2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 / 2 cup finely chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
• 3 cloves garlic , finely chopped
• 2 small red chillies , finely chopped ( or 1 level teaspoon of dried chilli flakes )
• ¼ cup fresh oregano , stalks removed , finely chopped
• 1 level teaspoon coarse salt
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Squeeze of lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or blitz very quickly in a food processor if you prefer it more fine . Allow to sit for 2 hours before serving in a glass jar , alongside your perfectly braai ’ d steak .
PLANTING YOUR HERBS
When it comes to what to plant where , as already mentioned , the mint family can be planted together and herbs from the carrot family can be planted together , as they have different water needs . If you decide to plant from different families in one pot , it ’ s not a problem , but plant the mint family herbs on the outer edges , where the soil is likely to dry out quicker .
Mint is a sprawler and can very quickly take over , so even if you are planting your herb garden directly into the soil , consider planting the mint in a pot or box to keep it contained .
WATERING YOUR HERBS
Herbs in the mint family hate to be overwatered , so do water your herb garden consistently but let the soil dry out a bit between watering . To test , stick your finger into the soil before watering and check the soil an inch or two below the surface . If it ’ s still wet , it ’ s not quite time to water .
DON ’ T FORGET THE MARIGOLDS !
This beautiful , edible herb is perfect to plant in among any other . It gives stunning splashes of colour to your herb garden , attracts birds , bees and butterflies , and its root releases a chemical that deters pests .
72 MARKtoe ! Junie 2023