Creamy Peruvian Green Sauce Recipe – Spicy, Zesty & Irresistible!

Table of Contents: Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce

PERUVIAN GREEN SAUCE (AJI VERDE): The Flavorful Secret to Authentic Taste

Remember those vibrant, unforgettable meals you enjoyed on your travels? Or perhaps a friend introduced you to a dish bursting with fresh, zesty flavors? Now, you can recreate that magic at home with this incredible Peruvian Green Sauce, also known as Aji Verde. This isn’t just a condiment; it’s a culinary experience, a bright and lively sauce that elevates everything it touches. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

This Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is a staple in Peruvian cuisine, celebrated for its unique blend of heat, tang, and herbaceousness. It’s a sauce that truly awakens the palate. While often described as a spicy green sauce Peruvian, the level of heat is surprisingly adjustable, making it perfect for everyone from those who enjoy a mild kick to those who crave fiery flavor. At its heart, it’s a cilantro lime sauce with a Peruvian twist, utilizing aji amarillo peppers (though we’ll use jalapeños for accessibility) to create a truly special flavor profile. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, a comforting family dinner, or simply looking to spice up a weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

This recipe is more than just instructions; it’s a gateway to experiencing the vibrant flavors of Peru. It’s a sauce that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories around the table. And the best part? It comes together in minutes, making it a practical addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

Alternate Names & Variations

This vibrant sauce goes by a few different names, including Salsa Verde Peruana and simply Aji. You might also find variations that incorporate other peppers, like aji amarillo for a more authentic (and often milder) heat. Some recipes add a touch of mayonnaise for extra creaminess, while others lean more heavily on the lime juice for a brighter, tangier flavor. A milder version, focusing on the cilantro lime sauce aspect, can be made by removing the jalapeño ribs and seeds entirely.

Ingredients: Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Peruvian Green Sauce:

• * 2 tablespoons olive oil
• * 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• * 1/2 cup light Hellman’s mayonnaise (use compliant mayo for Whole30)
• * 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• * 4 teaspoons yellow mustard (Guldens recommended)
• * 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• * 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 jalapeños, roughly chopped, seeded but keeping the ribs (about 1 cup/3 oz) – adjust to your spice preference!*
• * 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems (about 2 oz), rinsed well
• * 3 medium cloves garlic, crushed through a press

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Don’t brown the onion; we want to retain its fresh flavor. Chef’s Tip: A pinch of salt added to the onions while sautéing helps them soften faster.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the sautéed red onion, mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the Jalapeños: Add the roughly chopped jalapeños to the food processor. Chef’s Tip: Leaving some of the ribs in the jalapeños will increase the heat level. For a milder sauce, remove all the seeds and ribs.

4. Cilantro & Garlic Power: Add the fresh cilantro (leaves and stems – they’re packed with flavor!) and the crushed garlic to the food processor.

5. Process Until Smooth: Process all the ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to ensure everything is incorporated. Shortcut: If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop all the ingredients and mix them thoroughly in a bowl.

6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Aji Verde sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors. If you want more heat, add a tiny sliver of jalapeño (be careful!).

7. Chill and Serve: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the sauce thicken slightly.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and requires no actual cooking time beyond sautéing the onion. The total time from start to finish is around 15 minutes. It yields approximately 1.5 cups of sauce, serving 4-6 people. Approximate calories per tablespoon are around 60-80, depending on the type of mayonnaise used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) recipe works because it strikes a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and spicy. The mayonnaise provides a rich base, while the vinegar and mustard add a delightful zing. The cilantro and garlic deliver a fresh, herbaceous flavor that is characteristic of Peruvian cuisine. Using both the leaves and stems of the cilantro maximizes the flavor impact.

The key to a truly exceptional Aji Verde is the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh cilantro, good quality mayonnaise, and a flavorful vinegar. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy comfort food for family dinners or a vibrant addition to a festive spread. It’s also incredibly versatile – it’s not just for Peruvian dishes!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftover Aji Verde sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The color may fade slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Freezing: While you can freeze this sauce, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze it in small portions (ice cube trays work well!) to minimize waste. Frozen Aji Verde will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating: This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature. If you need to slightly warm it, do so gently in a microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the flavor.

People Also Ask: Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

How do you make Peruvian green sauce (Aji Verde)?

Making Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is surprisingly simple! You start by sautéing some red onion to soften it. Then, you combine the onion with mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, jalapeños, cilantro (both leaves and stems!), and garlic in a food processor. Process everything until smooth and creamy, taste, adjust seasonings, and chill for at least 30 minutes. The key is to use fresh ingredients and adjust the jalapeño amount to your desired spice level. It’s a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to any meal.

What are the ingredients in Peruvian green sauce?

The core ingredients in Peruvian Green Sauce are olive oil, red onion, mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic. Traditionally, Aji Amarillo peppers are used, but jalapeños are a readily available substitute. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavor profile that is both spicy and refreshing. Many recipes also call for a touch of lime juice, though it’s not strictly necessary.

Is Peruvian green sauce spicy?

Yes, Peruvian Green Sauce can be spicy, but the level of heat is adjustable! The jalapeños are the primary source of spice. You can control the heat by removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños (for a milder sauce) or leaving them in (for a spicier sauce). Even with the ribs left in, the creaminess of the mayonnaise helps to balance the heat, making it palatable for a wider range of spice preferences.

What do you serve with Peruvian green sauce?

This versatile Aji Verde sauce is perfect with a wide variety of dishes! It’s traditionally served with Peruvian roasted chicken (Pollo a la Brasa), but it’s also delicious with fried fish, potatoes (especially French fries!), grilled meats, and even vegetables. It’s a fantastic dipping sauce for empanadas or a flavorful spread for sandwiches. Don’t be afraid to experiment – it adds a wonderful kick to almost anything!

Conclusion: Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

So there you have it – a simple, authentic recipe for Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) that will transport your taste buds to Peru! I encourage you to give it a try and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking and experiment with different pairings.

I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try it with Pollo a la Brasa? Did you add a squeeze of lime juice? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below.

You Might Also Like:

– Roasted Vegetable Salad: Healthy & Quick Summer Recipe Idea 🥗🔥
– Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner Idea!
– Easy Chicken Taco Dump Dinner – Ready in 30 Minutes! 🌮✨
– Easy Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner 🌟 Quick & Flavorful Recipe!

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.

Print