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Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 109 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Peruvian
  • Diet: Low Fat

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

  1. Prepare the Cilantro: Break off and discard the tough bottom half of the cilantro stems to avoid bitterness and unwanted texture.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add additional salt if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
  5. 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