Choripán Argentino With Chimichurri (Argentinian Hot Dog)
Choripán Argentino with Chimichurri sauce is a super filling savory snack that is popular at sports events and picnics. These Argentinian hot dogs are easy to make, loaded with fresh, tangy, and spicy flavors, and perfect for quick lunches.
Choripán Argentino pairs well with this refreshing Brazilian Homemade Lemonade. You can also try out these South American delicacies including Guyanese Cassava Egg Balls and Aguachile Verde Salad.
What Is Argentinian Choripán?
Choripán is a traditional Argentinian sandwich that is the equivalent of a classic hot dog. But, in my opinion, they are much better and loaded with tangy, savory flavors!
Today, I will show you how to make Choripán Argentino with Chimichurri from scratch. This recipe is super easy, and many of the elements can be made in advance.
Chimichurri sauce
Argentinian Choripán with Chimichurri consists of four elements.
The first is a fresh homemade Chimichurri sauce. It is made with a combination of fresh herbs (mostly cilantro), shallots, garlic, and a few other aromatics.
You can buy a premade alternative as well, but the homemade one has a much better flavor and texture.
It is also very easy to adjust specific flavors you either love or hate.
Fresh salsa (Optional)
Next, we have a tangy fresh salsa. It is made with tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. I’ve naturally added some basic seasonings, but feel free to play around with spices and herbs.
The ingredients are marinated in a vinegar-olive oil dressing to help tenderize them while merging the flavors.
Baguettes
The third element for making Choripán Argentino with Chimichurri is the baguettes. They should be crusty and if you cannot find small baguettes, you can simply cut one standard baguette into two pieces.
Chorizo
And finally, arguably the most important element, you have grilled Chorizo sausages. Chorizo is a spicy pork sausage that is popular in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. But today, you can find it incorporated into many fusion dishes.
Unfortunately (and fortunately) there are MANY different kinds of Chorizo sausages. So, finding one you love can become challenging. You can use this guide of different types of Chorizo to help narrow down an option that suits your preferences.
Tips And Tricks For Making Choripán Argentino With Chimichurri
- You can easily adjust the consistency of your Chimichurri sauce. Traditionally, it is a textured green herb sauce, but many people hate chunky, chopped herbs. So, if you’d like, you can blend the sauce (or some of the sauce) to make it runnier.
- If you want to make your green herb sauce in advance, you should store it in a sterile, airtight glass container. This will keep its fresh texture and flavor. This sauce will last about 2-3 weeks if you store it properly.
- To keep your cooked Chorizo sausages warm while you prepare the baguette loaves, place them in a roasting dish. Cover it with foil. If you need to keep them warm for a long time, place the covered roasting tray in the oven at the lowest heat setting.
- This is not a dish you should assemble in advance. You can make the Chimichurri and salsa ahead of time. But do not prepare the baguette or Chorizo until you are ready to serve them. Luckily, it’s a relatively quick process.
FAQs
What kind of sausage is used for Choripán Argentino with Chimichurri?
Traditionally, you need to use Chorizo which is made up of about 70% pork and 30% beef. However, if you cannot find a specific Chorizo that meets those requirements, any type will do.
What makes Argentinian Choripán with Chimichurri special?
These Argentinian hot dogs became an essential savory snack at soccer games and many other cultural gatherings. In Argentina, you will find a ton of food stalls on the streets selling these snacks. And they also have many varieties you can choose from. The fundamentals remain the same, but some toppings differ.
Is Choripán Argentino good for you?
This isn’t the lowest in calories. Sausages usually contain a lot of fat. And on top of that, the Chimichurri and salsa are also loaded with oil. So overall, it isn’t a healthy snack. But, it does contain a ton of nutrients like protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. So, “healthy” is relative to what you are looking for in your diet.
Choripán Argentino With Chimichurri (Argentinian Hot Dog)
Ingredients
For the Chimichurri sauce
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 small Fresno chili, finely chopped, optional
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
For the tangy fresh salsa
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, deseeded, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 chili, deseeded and chopped, optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Argentinian Choripán
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 Chorizo sausages
- 4 baguette rolls (single or small loaves)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Make the Chimichurri sauce
- To start, whisk together the finely chopped shallots, chili, garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Leave the ingredients to sit for about 10 minutes. That will make them tender and help their flavor develop.
- Stir in the chopped fresh herbs.
- Next, whisk in the olive oil using a fork. Don't use a small whisk because the ingredients get stuck between the wires.
- Set the Chimichurri aside until you need it later. You can also make it in advance and store it in the fridge (see tips).
Make the fresh salsa garnish
- To make the salsa topping, combine all the diced ingredients with the oil and vinegar. Make sure you mix the ingredients well so all the flavors blend.
- Season the mixture with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Leave the salsa to rest for at least 10 minutes to help the flavors develop.
Prepare the grilled Chorizo
- Heat the olive oil in a grill plate, skillet, or frying pan. Use medium heat for the best results.
- Add the Chorizo sausages and allow them to cook for about 10 minutes. Make sure to turn them frequently until they are charred.
- Remove them from the heat. Slice them in two lengthwise.
- Place the halves back onto the heat and cook them, cut side down, for another 2-3 minutes or until they are charred.
- Remove them from the heat and set them aside. Try to keep them warm.
Assemble your Choripán Argentino
- Slice your baguette loaves in half, but not all the way through.
- Butter both sides with your softened unsalted butter. You can also use margarine or skip this step entirely.
- Add two warm Chorizo grilled halves.
- Top it with your fresh salsa and a generous dollop of Chimichurri sauce.
- Serve these Argentinian hot dogs immediately while the sausages are still warm.
Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.my family loved it.will be sharing this recipe with my friends.they will like it.