Aji Verde

Name: Aji Verde
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 2 jalapeños or aji; 1 handful cilantro; 80 g fresh cheese or mayo; 1 garlic clove; 2 tbsp lime juice; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegetarian

Aji Verde finds its roots in the bustling grill and sandwich tables of Peru, where cooks judge salt by hand and use fat generously. This vibrant green sauce is a staple in Peruvian households, prepared with the kind of intuitive care that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. It's a recipe passed down through generations, adapted by each family to suit their own tastes, and now captured in writing for the home cook.

Expect a lively blend of heat from jalapeños or aji, balanced by the freshness of cilantro and the creamy richness of cheese or mayo. Lime juice adds a bright acidity, while garlic infuses depth. Fine sea salt ties it all together, creating a sauce that dances across the palate with bold, harmonious flavors. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats or sandwiches, it captures the essence of a shared meal, even when enjoyed alone.

Ingredients

2jalapeños or aji
1 handfulcilantro
80 gfresh cheese or mayo
1garlic clove
2 tbsplime juice
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the 2 jalapeños or aji peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder sauce. Roughly chop the handful of cilantro, including stems, as they add flavor. Peel the garlic clove and set it aside.
In a blender or food processor, combine the sliced jalapeños or aji, chopped cilantro, and peeled garlic clove. Add 80 g of fresh cheese or mayonnaise, depending on your preference. Blend these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The mixture should be vibrant green and free of large chunks.
With the blender running on a low setting, slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons of lime juice. This will help emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky texture. The lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the heat of the peppers.
Season the mixture with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, blend, and then taste the sauce on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt as needed, ensuring the flavors are balanced and the heat is to your liking.
Allow the Aji Verde to rest for a few minutes. This short resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the sauce cool, as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip.