Name: Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 2 fresh cilantro; 3 jalapeño peppers; 1 lime; 3 garlic cloves; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and ground black pepper

This traditional Peruvian sauce, known as aji verde, is a flavorful green chili sauce that brings a unique heat and flavor to any dish. Made with fresh ingredients like cilantro and jalapeños, it adds a vibrant touch, making each meal unforgettable.

Photos of Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe

The key ingredient in this recipe is the jalapeño pepper which is a medium-sized chili pepper that is commonly picked and consumed while still green. You can find it in the produce section of most supermarkets. Another unique ingredient is cilantro, also known as coriander, a herb that is prominently used in many cuisines around the world.

Ingredients for the Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce

Cilantro: This herb is fresh and citrusy, and it gives the sauce its green color and unique flavor. Jalapeño peppers: These peppers give the sauce a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of peppers to your liking. Lime: The juice of lime gives a bright and tangy flavor to the sauce. Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce. Mayonnaise: The mayo makes the sauce creamy and balances the heat from the jalapeños. Extra-virgin olive oil: This oil adds richness to the sauce. Salt and ground black pepper: These are used for seasoning.

One reader, Berta Dwyer says:

This Peruvian aji verde recipe is a game-changer! The blend of fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and lime creates a burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect accompaniment to any dish, adding a zesty kick that elevates the entire meal. I can't get enough of it!

Berta Dwyer

Techniques for Preparing Peruvian Aji Verde

How to blend the ingredients: This involves using a food processor or blender to mix the cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

How to adjust thickness: After blending, you can adjust the thickness of the aji verde by adding more mayonnaise or oil to achieve the desired consistency.

How To Make Peruvian Aji Verde

If you want to add a kick of spiciness to your dishes, this hot Peruvian Aji Verde green sauce will do the trick! Whip this up in just 10 minutes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2fresh cilantro,with stems
3jalapeno peppers,seeded
1lime,juiced
3garlic cloves
½cupmayonnaise,reduced-fat, or more to taste
1extra-virgin olive oil,or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper,to taste

Instructions

Blend the cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a food processor or blender.
Blend in more mayonnaise or oil to adjust thickness, if desired.
Serve over desired dishes, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Good for 2 weeks in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 71.14kcal
Fat: 7.48g
Saturated Fat: 1.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.88g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.46g
Carbohydrates: 1.16g
Fiber: 0.33g
Sugar: 0.26g
Protein: 0.15g
Cholesterol: 3.75mg
Sodium: 58.39mg
Calcium: 4.91mg
Potassium: 24.32mg
Iron: 0.09mg
Vitamin A: 6.00µg
Vitamin C: 6.33mg

Pro Tip for Making Aji Verde

When blending the cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper together, make sure to pulse the blender or food processor in short bursts. This will help to evenly distribute the ingredients and prevent the mixture from becoming too smooth or liquidy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can stop blending once the ingredients are roughly chopped. Remember, the consistency of your aji verde can greatly influence the overall taste and texture of your dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Multitask: While the sauce is blending, prep other components to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Use shortcuts: Consider using pre-made mayonnaise to cut down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor.

Adjust to taste: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference, saving time on precise measurements.

Substitute Ingredients For Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe

fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley has a similar fresh and bright flavor to cilantro, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
jalapeño peppers - Substitute with serrano peppers: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapeños, providing a suitable alternative for this recipe.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also adding a healthier twist to the dish.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra-virgin olive oil in this recipe.

Presenting Peruvian Aji Verde

Elevate the plating: Arrange the dish meticulously, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a pop of color and freshness with a delicate sprinkling of microgreens to enhance the visual appeal.
Utilize edible flowers: Introduce an element of elegance by incorporating edible flowers to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Consider texture: Incorporate contrasting textures to create a visually dynamic dish, such as a crispy garnish or a creamy drizzle.
Emphasize symmetry: Create a sense of balance and harmony on the plate by arranging the components with precision and attention to symmetry.
Highlight vibrant colors: Incorporate colorful ingredients to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation that captivates the senses.
Use negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing for negative space on the plate, drawing attention to the focal points of the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Aji Verde

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to blend, chop, puree, and mix ingredients. It's perfect for creating smooth sauces and emulsifying ingredients for the Peruvian aji verde recipe.
Blender: A blender is essential for creating a smooth and well-mixed aji verde sauce. It can effectively blend the cilantro, jalapeños, and other ingredients into a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the ingredients before blending them in the food processor or blender. It allows for easy mixing and ensures that all the flavors are well incorporated.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is useful for extracting the juice from the lime, which adds a bright and tangy flavor to the aji verde sauce.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is essential for chopping the cilantro, jalapeños, and garlic cloves with precision, ensuring that they are finely minced before blending.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is important for accurately portioning the mayonnaise and olive oil, ensuring the right balance of flavors and textures in the aji verde sauce.

Storing and Freezing Peruvian Aji Verde

Store the Peruvian aji verde sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors will meld and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you have leftover aji verde, you can freeze it for longer storage. Pour the sauce into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen aji verde, simply remove the desired number of cubes from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave the cubes on low power for a few seconds at a time until they're soft enough to use.
When ready to use, give the thawed aji verde a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little water, lime juice, or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
Remember to always use clean utensils when scooping out the aji verde to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life. With proper storage, you can enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Peruvian sauce whenever the craving strikes!

Interesting Trivia About Peruvian Aji Verde

Peruvian aji verde is a popular green sauce in Peruvian cuisine, often served with grilled meats, potatoes, or used as a dipping sauce. It is known for its vibrant green color and its spicy, tangy flavor profile. This sauce is a staple in Peruvian cuisine and is a versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. It is also a great way to add a kick of heat to your meals while incorporating the fresh, zesty flavors of cilantro, lime, and jalapeño peppers.

Budget-Friendly Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe

The Peruvian Aji Verde recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are generally affordable and widely available, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of jalapeño peppers and cilantro adds a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the availability and pricing of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is Peruvian Aji Verde Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Peruvian aji verde recipe is a flavorful and zesty sauce that can add a delightful kick to various dishes. However, from a nutritional standpoint, it may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:

Mayonnaise, the main component of the sauce, is high in fat and calories. While some fat is essential for a balanced diet, excessive consumption of saturated fats found in mayonnaise can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
Jalapeño peppers, although rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, can be quite spicy and may cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.
The recipe lacks a significant source of nutrients such as fiber, protein, or complex carbohydrates, which are essential for a well-rounded, healthy diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap out the regular mayonnaise for a low-fat or avocado-based alternative to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, kale, or avocado to boost the sauce's fiber and vitamin content.
Reduce the amount of jalapeño peppers or remove the seeds to decrease the spiciness and potential digestive irritation.
Add a squeeze of extra lime juice for a brighter, tangier flavor that can help balance out the richness of the mayonnaise.
Experiment with using Greek yogurt as a base for the sauce, which will increase the protein content and provide a lighter, tangy flavor profile.

Editor's Take on This Peruvian Sauce

This Peruvian aji verde recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and zesty flavors. The blend of cilantro, jalapeños, and garlic creates a vibrant and aromatic base, while the mayonnaise adds a creamy richness. The addition of lime juice provides a refreshing citrusy kick, and the olive oil brings a subtle depth of flavor. This versatile sauce can elevate a variety of dishes with its bold and tangy profile. It's a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Overall, it's a simple yet impactful recipe that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

Enhance Your Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving the Peruvian aji verde with a side of grilled asparagus for a delicious and healthy combination.

Citrus-Marinated Shrimp: For a refreshing and zesty pairing, serve the Peruvian aji verde with citrus-marinated shrimp as a side dish.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist to your meal by serving the Peruvian aji verde with a side of fresh and vibrant mango salsa.

Recipes Similar to Peruvian Aji Verde

Peruvian Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and other flavorful ingredients, served with rice and potatoes.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Grilled chicken topped with a refreshing salsa made with mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Coconut Curry Shrimp: Shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut curry sauce with bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices.

Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Aji Verde

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Infuse your grilled salmon with a zesty lemon and herb marinade for a burst of fresh flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a mouthwatering dish by stuffing bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices. Top it off with melted cheese for a gooey and indulgent finish that will leave you craving for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Peruvian Aji Verde Recipe:

This Peruvian aji verde recipe offers an authentic taste of Peru, using fresh cilantro and jalapeño peppers for a burst of flavor. The addition of lime juice and garlic cloves enhances the zesty and aromatic profile. The creamy texture is achieved through the use of mayonnaise and extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring a rich and indulgent experience. With the perfect balance of salt and ground black pepper, this recipe promises to elevate any dish with its vibrant and bold flavors.

Share your thoughts and experiences with Peruvian Aji Verde in the Recipe Sharing forum. Let's discuss variations, serving suggestions, and more!

FAQ:

What is aji verde?

Aji verde is a spicy and creamy Peruvian green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and other ingredients. It's commonly used as a condiment or dipping sauce in Peruvian cuisine.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the aji verde?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the aji verde by adding more or fewer jalapeño peppers. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can also remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before blending.

How long can I store aji verde?

Aji verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.

What dishes can I serve with aji verde?

Aji verde is a versatile sauce that pairs well with various dishes. It's commonly served with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, seafood, and as a dipping sauce for empanadas or other appetizers.

Can I make aji verde ahead of time?

Yes, aji verde can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. In fact, the flavors tend to meld and develop even more after a day or two, making it a great make-ahead sauce for convenience.