Chimichurri is a popular South American herbal sauce, typically used as a marinade or topping for meats.
This Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs recipe transforms chimichurri flavors into easy-to-make, bite-sized high-fat treats.
Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe
Finding a satisfying treat that's both keto-friendly and delicious can be challenging. However, these Chimichurri Fat Bombs check all the boxes.
The delicious combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and red wine vinegar creates a vibrant, tangy flavor that's perfect for these savory fat bombs.
These keto-approved treats can also be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick, lemon juice for a zesty flavor, or parmesan cheese for a rich, savory note.
Chimichurri Fat Bombs are packed with healthy fats, such as coconut oil, which can help with cravings and extend fasting time, making it easier to stick to your low-carb meal plan and intermittent fasting routine.
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found coconut oil to be a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are rapidly metabolized and offer a quick and sustainable energy source.
This recipe also calls for red wine vinegar, adding a burst of flavor while providing potential health benefits.
"Red wine vinegar contains powerful antioxidants and acetic acid, which has been linked to improved blood sugar control and weight loss," explains Dr. Berg.
What's more, fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro provide essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of these keto-friendly fat bombs.
Another reason why you will love these Chimichurri Fat Bombs is that they pair perfectly with many delicious recipes suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Pop them on a seared steak, where they will slightly melt, infusing the meat with their rich and tangy flavors, or serve with zucchini noodles to create a deliciously creamy, low-carb pasta dish.
What are Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs?
Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs are delicious bites that blend the rich, herbal flavors of traditional Argentine chimichurri sauce with a high-fat base of cream cheese and coconut oil. Made with parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, and vinegar, they offer a flavorful and satisfying keto-friendly treat.
The result is a vibrant, zesty treat that satisfies the high-fat requirements of a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto® while delivering a burst of refreshing, tangy flavor.
Besides being delicious, these Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs won’t raise blood sugar or insulin levels. This is important for those following a ketogenic diet who aim to maintain ketosis to promote fat-burning.
Typically, fat bombs are formed into small, bite-sized portions, making them a convenient treat to keep energy levels steady throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that these morsels shouldn’t be consumed as snacks. Instead, enjoy 1 to 2 fat bombs per day in moderation as part of your meal.
While it may be tempting to snack on fat bombs, grazing and constant snacking, even on healthy options, is one of the biggest weight loss mistakes people make.
For those new to keto, fat bombs can help satisfy cravings for sugary snacks and prevent a return to carb-heavy eating habits.
If you've been practicing intermittent fasting for some time without seeing results, cutting back on or eliminating high-fat sources like fat bombs may lead to more noticeable improvements.
Instead, focus on consuming natural fats, such as leaving the skin on chicken or not trimming excess fat from meat to meet your daily fat requirements.
About the ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe not only make these fat bombs decadent but also keep them keto-friendly. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
Let's explore their nutritional benefits in more detail.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the perfect base for these fat bombs due to its high concentrations of health-promoting fatty acids, including lauric acid.
Lauric acid offers various health benefits, such as supporting immune function, improving cholesterol balance, and exhibiting potent antimicrobial properties.
Additionally, coconut oil has been linked to improved metabolic health, weight loss, and enhanced cognitive function.
While coconut oil is an excellent fat source, you can also use avocado or extra virgin olive oil to make these delicious Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs.
Fresh herbs
The combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, and oregano gives these fat bombs their signature chimichurri flavor. Not only do these herbs add a burst of freshness, but they also have potential health benefits.
Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, while cilantro has potent antioxidant properties.
Oregano contains carvacrol, a naturally occurring plant compound that has been found to help protect against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to these fat bombs and helps seamlessly bind the ingredients together.
Full-fat dairy products such as cream cheese are excellent ingredients for those on a keto diet, offering healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients including vitamin A and calcium.
Whenever possible, opt for organic full-fat cream cheese to minimize your exposure to growth hormones or antibiotics often used in conventional dairy farming.
Storing and serving tips
These Chimichurri Fat Bombs can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for extended storage.
If frozen, thaw them at room temperature for 10 minutes and enjoy your fat bombs as a delightful after-meal treat or a flavorful addition to salads, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
Final thoughts
These Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs are savory treats that combine rich, bold flavors with a satisfying, high-fat profile, making them perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
They're easy to make, customizable, and packed with healthy ingredients, including coconut oil, fresh herbs, and cream cheese.
FAQ
1. Does chimichurri have carbs?
Traditional chimichurri sauce is low in carbs, making it a suitable condiment for those following a Healthy Keto® diet.
However, some pre-made versions may contain added sugars or other high-carb ingredients, so it's always best to carefully check product labels before purchasing.
2. How many carbs are in Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs?
This recipe contains only two grams of carbs per serving, making it a perfect addition to a low-carb meal plan.
3. Are Keto Chimichurri Fat Bombs gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as it contains no grains or ingredients that include gluten.
4. How healthy is chimichurri?
Chimichurri sauce is packed with healthy ingredients, including fresh herbs, coconut oil, and vinegar. These ingredients have various potential health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control, enhanced metabolic health, and weight loss.
5. How many fat bombs can I eat in one day?
It's recommended to limit your intake of fat bombs to 1 to 2 per day, especially if you're trying to lose or maintain your weight.
Remember that fat bombs shouldn’t be consumed as snacks but enjoyed in moderation as part of a complete meal.
6. Can fat bombs help with weight loss?
Yes, incorporating low-carb, high-fat treats such as fat bombs into a keto diet can help curb cravings and promote weight loss.
7. Can I substitute coconut oil with another type of fat?
You can use avocado oil, ghee, or grass-fed butter instead of coconut oil in this recipe.
8. Can I make these fat bombs vegan?
You can make vegan fat bombs by substituting conventional cream cheese with a vegan alternative, such as almond or cashew cream cheese.
Source
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562
