Description
This Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful green sauce made with fresh cilantro, mint, garlic, jalapeno, mayonnaise, and Aji Amarillo paste. It’s a versatile condiment perfect for serving as a dipping sauce for chips, fried plantains, grilled chicken, or as a zesty addition to many dishes. This recipe is quick, easy, and packs a fresh, spicy, and tangy punch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Herbs & Aromatics
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 15 fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
Wet Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese (or Parmesan)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Aji Amarillo Paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro: Break off and discard the tough bottom half of the cilantro stems to avoid bitterness and unwanted texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the prepared cilantro, fresh mint leaves, garlic cloves, seeded jalapeno, low-fat mayonnaise, grated cotija cheese, water, Aji Amarillo paste, fresh lime juice, and salt into the bowl of a food processor.
- Puree the Sauce: Secure the lid on the food processor and blend until the mixture becomes very smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add additional salt if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the Aji Verde to a container, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce can be stored and used within one week.
Notes
- This vibrant green sauce is fantastic as a dipping sauce for chips, fried plantains, and grilled chicken.
- Aji Amarillo paste can be found at Latin markets or online and gives the sauce its signature spicy, fruity kick.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise to keep the sauce lighter without compromising creaminess.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, Parmesan is a suitable substitute.
- For a spicier version, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add extra Aji Amarillo paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 17 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 77 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg