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Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

Aji Verde is a bold and spicy Peruvian green sauce made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and a creamy base of mayonnaise and cheese. Perfect as a vibrant condiment to elevate grilled meats, sandwiches, or vegetables, this sauce blends fresh herbs with tangy lime and a touch of heat for a unique and flavorful accompaniment.

Ingredients

Primary Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh cilantro, mostly leaves but small stems are ok (from 1 big bunch of cilantro or 1 ½ medium)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed but reserved, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup (1 ounce) grated Cotija or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the mayonnaise, cilantro, roughly chopped jalapeños (without seeds but with reserved seeds), garlic, grated Cotija or Parmesan cheese, lime juice, and fine sea salt. Blend the mixture until the cilantro breaks down into very tiny pieces and the sauce becomes mostly smooth with a vibrant green color, though some texture will remain.
  2. Adjust Flavor: Taste the sauce. If the flavor is too bold or spicy, blend in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to mellow it out. To increase spiciness, add some of the reserved jalapeño seeds and blend again. For extra tanginess or saltiness, add another tablespoon of lime juice and/or a pinch more salt, blending to combine after each addition.
  3. Storage: Transfer the aji verde sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for about 1 week when covered, maintaining its fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Notes

  • This sauce is intentionally bold and spicy but can be adjusted to your preferred heat level by controlling the amount of jalapeño seeds.
  • May substitute Cotija cheese with Parmesan if Cotija is unavailable; flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
  • Perfect as a dipping sauce, marinade, or sandwich spread for grilled meats and vegetables.
  • Use a good-quality lime juice for best flavor, preferably fresh squeezed.
  • Storing covered in the refrigerator helps preserve its bright green color and fresh taste.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/aji-verde-spicy-peruvian-green-sauce-recipe/