Description
This vibrant Aji Verde sauce is a creamy, tangy Peruvian condiment made from fresh cilantro, jalapeños, aji amarillo paste, and a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Perfect as a dip or accompaniment, it delivers a velvety texture with a bright, mildly spicy flavor profile typical of Peruvian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cilantro, stems included
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Condiments & Spice
- 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Cotija cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Cilantro: Wash the fresh cilantro thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this ensures a thick and emulsified sauce.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Seed and roughly chop the jalapeños carefully, avoiding contact with eyes to prevent irritation.
- Initial Blending: Place the cilantro, chopped jalapeños, garlic cloves, and aji amarillo paste into the blender base.
- Add Seasonings: Pour in the fresh lime juice, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the blender.
- Pulse to Coarse Paste: Pulse the mixture 5 to 7 times until the cilantro is broken down but still coarse in texture.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to the blender mixture.
- Blend Smooth: Blend on medium-high speed for about 20 seconds until the sauce becomes smooth, velvety, and uniform in color.
- Add Cheese and Oil: Incorporate the Cotija cheese and olive oil into the blender mixture.
- Final Blend: Blend on low speed for 5 seconds to incorporate the oil fully, resulting in a glossy and cohesive sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Dip a piece of bread or chip to taste-test for seasoning, adjusting salt or acidity if necessary.
Notes
- Ensure cilantro is completely dry to prevent a watery sauce.
- For less heat, reduce jalapeño quantity or keep seeds.
- Aji amarillo paste can be found at Latin markets or online; it gives authentic flavor.
- This sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Try using this sauce as a dip for chips, a topping for grilled meats, or in sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Keywords: Aji Verde, Peruvian sauce, cilantro sauce, spicy sauce, creamy jalapeño sauce
