Preparation time. 20 minutes
3/4 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup (packed) basil and oregano leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup inexpensive balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small onion, peeled and quartered
2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
About the herbs. The parsley and garlic must be fresh, but the other herbs can be dried. You can substitute or mix in thyme, cilantro, rosemary, even mint for the basil and oregano. But not for the parsley. And just because cilantro looks like parsley doesn't mean you can substitute it. I'm talking to one particular reader right now. You know who you are.
About the paprika. If you can get smoked paprika, use it. But taste it first. If it is hot, as it often is, cut back on the crushed red pepper flakes. Remember, not everyone likes it as hot as you do.
If it is too acidic for you, just whick in more oil.
Do this
1) Remove the thick woody stems stems from the herbs leaving behind the tender stems. Measure the herbs by packing them into a measuring cup first, and then rinse in a colander to get any dirt off. Shake off the extra moisture, but you don't have to get the leaves perfectly dry.
2) Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the green parts are small bits pushing down any leaves that crawl up the sides. You don't have to make this sauce homogeneous, chunks are OK.
3) Grill the meat and spoon a small amount of sauce over the top or on the side when you serve it. Not too much, it is strong, and we don't want to cover that great steak taste. People can always add more if they want. And there's a good chance they'll want.
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