Description
Aji Verde is a spicy, creamy, and vibrant green sauce from Peru, traditionally served with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fries. Bursting with the fresh flavors of cilantro, garlic, and spicy peppers, this irresistible sauce is blended with mayonnaise, lime juice, and cheese for a rich yet zesty kick. It’s quick to make and adds bold flavor to any dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 1–2 jalapeños or 1 aji amarillo pepper (seeded for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tsp water (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeños or aji amarillo pepper (remove seeds for milder heat), garlic cloves, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Blend Ingredients: Add cilantro, peppers, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure even blending.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add one to two teaspoons of water gradually and blend again until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust salt or lime juice to enhance the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve or Store: Serve the Aji Verde immediately as a dip or sauce for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fries, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the pepper seeds in or add a small serrano pepper.
- Aji amarillo paste can be used in place of fresh peppers if available.
- This sauce is perfect on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, or as a dip.
