Parsley is both a herb and a garden vegetable, native to the central and Eastern Mediterranean region. Parsley belongs to the Umbelliferae family of aromatic, flowering plants. The most common types used for culinary purposes are curly-leaf, and flat-leaf parsley, although root parsley is also used in central, eastern, and southern European recipes. Parsley can be used fresh, or dried and finely chopped. 

Culinary use of parsley has its roots in the European tradition, but it is also used in Middle Eastern cuisine for dishes such as Tabbouleh salads, and Kuku Sabzi and also in American and South American cuisine in dishes such as Chicken Chimchurri and Parsley Baked Cod. It is also a popular choice for sauces and spreads such as Parsley Pesto, Parsley Butter, Chimichurri, and Gremolata.

Parsley is high in vitamins (especially vitamins A, C and K), fibre, folate and flavonoid antioxidants. It is thought to enhance bone, heart, and optical health, as well as lowering the risk of some types of cancer as a result of its rich antioxidant and vitamin C content.

Parsley has a very characteristic taste. Cooking uses the leaves - added to salads, soups and stews and other dishes, either as a flavoursome ingredient or as a very attractive garnish, that can enhance the presentation of any meal! 

Here are four easy, time saving recipes using Parsley. They include a Chimichurri parsley sauce recipe, and if you have a yen for a fish in parsley sauce recipe, we’ve included a recipe for you:

 

1. Chimichurri Pesto/Marinade

Time to prepare: Approx. 10-15 mins

Serves: 4

This Argentinian pesto is a vibrant variation on a parsley sauce recipe, that combines an exciting mix of herbs and seasoning. You can add this light and tangy pesto to salads, eggs, vegetables and steak or barbequed meats.

 

You will need:

 - 1 cup fresh chopped parsley

- Finely chopped garlic cloves (3)

- 1/3 cup olive oil

- 2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar

- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh or dried oregano

- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes

- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

 

How to prepare Chimichurri Pesto:

STEP 1: Make sure the parsley, oregano and garlic cloves are chopped finely, and combine these ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl.

STEP 2: Then stir in the recommended amount of wine vinegar, olive oil, pepper, salt, and pepper flakes, and gently blend. The pesto can then be served at room temperature straight after mixing or kept refrigerated for a few days. 

 

2. Fish in Parsley sauce

Time to prepare: Approx. 25 mins

Cooking time: Approx. 30 mins

Serves: 4-6

A traditional favourite that will keep your family and dinner guests completely satisfied

 

You will need:

- 375g plain flour

- 375g butter

- 3 litres of full cream milk

- Ground black pepper

- Sea salt 

- Finely chopped parsley (the curly garden variety is best)

- 1-2kg skinless, de boned fish fillets

 

How to prepare the parsley sauce:

STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 200C/400F.

STEP 2: On a low to medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan. Then gradually add the flour, making sure to stir it in evenly for a smooth consistency. On a low heat, simmer the sauce mix for 3-4 minutes, but do not let it boil. Gradually add the milk to the sauce mix, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth white consistency.

STEP 3: Add the chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper into the sauce mix and adjust the seasonings to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce on a low-medium heat for around 3-5 minutes. 

STEP 4: Whilst the sauce continues to simmer, heat a large frying pan over a high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to a medium setting, and add sufficient olive oil to cover the base of the pan. Coat fresh or thawed fish fillets in an even layer of flour, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Lightly grill the required number of fish fillets, turning them regularly, until they are noticeably golden brown. They may need around 10-15 minutes to cook thoroughly but use your best judgement here. 

STEP 5: Place the finished fish fillets on pre warmed plates and drizzle a generous amount of parsley sauce over the fillets. Season to taste and serve with a fresh slice of lemon.

 

3. Grilled Sandwich with Cheese Paneer, Corn and Parsley

Time to prepare: Approx. 20 mins

Serves: 4+

This recipe makes a delightful and nutritious snack that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

 

You will need:

- ¾ tbsp oil

- 1 cup grated paneer

- ½ cup sweet corn kernels

- Pinch of Chilli powder (or Paprika for something milder)

- 1 finely chopped small onion 

- 1 finely chopped garlic clove

- ¼ cup of finely chopped parsley

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 cheese slices

- 2-3 tbsp of butter

- 4 slices of bread

 

How to prepare the grilled sandwich filling:

STEP 1: Place the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. When sufficiently hot add in the garlic and onion, and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes.

STEP 2: Add in the grated paneer, chilli powder, salt, pepper and corn and mix all ingredients well. Continue cooking on a medium heat for another 2-3 minutes.

STEP 3: Remove from heat and let stand.

STEP 4: Melt 1½ tbsp of butter in a small pan and mix in the chopped parsley.

STEP 5: Spread the parsley butter mix on two slices of the bread.

STEP 6: Layer a generous amount of the paneer mix on top of the bread and parsley butter.

STEP 7: For an extra cheesy bite, add the cheese slices over the layer of paneer. Place a slice of bread on top of this – and you have your sandwich.
If desired, the sandwiches can be grilled in a pan with a little melted butter, so that they are lightly toasted on each side.

 

4. Potato dumplings with parsley

Time to prepare: Approx. 20 mins

Time to cook: Approx. 30 mins

Serves: 4-6

This quick and easy recipe is a great accompaniment to your favorite soup or stews and is simple to prepare.

 

You will need:

- 1 egg

- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs

- 1 tablespoon plain flour

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon pepper

- 2-1/2 cups grated raw potatoes

- A tablespoon of flour to coat dumplings

 

How to prepare the dumplings:

STEP 1: Combine the first six ingredients on the list in a large mixing bowl. 

STEP 2: Add the shredded potatoes and mix in with the other ingredients. 

STEP 3: Shape the dumplings by rolling into small bite size balls, then dip into a bowl of flour to coat each one thoroughly.

STEP 4: Add the dumplings to your favorite soup or stew in a saucepan or casserole pot. On a stove top, using a low heat, cover the pot and simmer for approx. 30 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Voila! Ready to serve and savor!