Aji Verde is the best condiment to complement your tacos, bowls, grilled meats, veggies, rice, beans or anything fusion. This Peruvian green sauce is an ideal blend of zesty citrus, spiciness and herbal notes which is perfect for any fusion dish.
This versatile sauce can be drizzled or drenched on anything, whether it is grilled meats, fish, you name it, and my personal favorite - Lomo Saltado Frittata. The spicy sauce enhances the flavor and brings a fresh and tangy twist to the dish.
What is Aji Verde?
It is an essential condiment in Peruvian cuisine, having a bold and bright green color and flavor, and is commonly served in Peruvian restaurants. "Aji," refers to chili peppers, and "Verde" means green in Spanish. It is traditionally made with Aji Amarillo for its distinct spice but can be prepared with alternate chili peppers based on availability.
We used mostly fresh ingredients, blended into a smooth and creamy consistency. You can either use more jalapeños or a spicier chili pepper if you want to scale up the heat, or can also remove the seeds and membrane if you have a low spice tolerance. Alternatively, you can also adjust the creaminess by adding more mayo or queso fresco.
It can either be poured over with a spoon or use a squeeze bottle for a more gourmet presentation.
Ingredients
- Jalapeños
- Garlic
- Fresh cilantro
- Queso fresco cheese
- Olive oil
- Mayonnaise
- Lime juice
- Salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
You can replace some of the ingredients in the recipe to suit what you have at home.
- Jalapeño peppers: Serrano pepper, Aji Amarillo pepper
- Queso fresco cheese: Feta cheese, Parmesan cheese
- Lime Juice: Lemon juice
Tips
- Select the right chili pepper: Aji Amarillo pepper is a traditional choice for this sauce, but you can alternatively use jalapeños as it is easy to find.
- Adjust the heat level: You can control the heat level by adding more Jalapeño pepper or can level down the spice by removing the seeds and membranes in the pepper.
- Let it Rest: Allow the Aji Verde sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time helps meld the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
FAQs
Aji Verde is a versatile condiment in Peruvian cuisine. It's commonly served with ceviche, grilled meats, and is a must-have accompaniment for dishes like Lomo Saltado, a classic Peruvian stir-fry.
The spiciness of Aji Verde can vary depending on the type and quantity of chili peppers used. Some versions are mild, while others can be quite spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting the number of chili pepper seeds you include.
Aji Verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it should stay fresh for around 5 - 7 days. Although, the flavors may intensify over time, and the sauce may become spicier.
Yes, you can make a vegan or dairy-free version of Aji Verde by using vegan mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt substitute. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to achieve the desired creaminess.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Ajvar Recipe (Balkan Roasted Red Pepper Relish)
- Roasted Tomato Salsa (Salsa Tatemada)
- Pistachio Basil Pesto
- Baba Ganoush
Fusion Recipes
Try out some of our specialty recipes:
- Jerk Chicken Quesadilla
- Sumac Fries
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe (Indian style)
- Jerk Shrimp Pasta (Rasta Pasta Recipe)
Recipe
Aji Verde
Ingredients
- 2 jalapeños pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- ½ cup queso fresco cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust the salt and lime juice to balance the acidity as per your preference.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
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