Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aji Verde brings the unique flavors of Peru to your table in just 10 minutes. With its combination of fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, tangy lime juice, and creamy mayonnaise, this sauce delivers a delicious punch. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even a simple bowl of rice. Whether you’re serving it at a party or adding it to your dinner, Aji Verde will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 2 jalapeños, stemmed and seeded (or leave seeds for extra heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional but traditional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients: Combine cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, and Parmesan in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth: Process the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is blended evenly.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt as desired. For a tangier flavor, add more lime juice, or for extra heat, add another jalapeño.
- Chill: Chill the sauce for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the sauce cold or at room temperature with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, fries, or rice bowls.
Servings and Timing
Yield: About 1 cup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Huacatay (black mint): For a more authentic flavor, use Peruvian huacatay (black mint) instead of or in addition to cilantro. It adds a unique depth to the sauce.
- Greek yogurt substitution: If you want a lighter version of Aji Verde, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which still provides creaminess but with a bit of tang.
- Extra heat: For an even spicier kick, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add more than two for a hotter sauce.
Storage
Store Aji Verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, so give it a good stir before using.
FAQs
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, as dried cilantro won’t give the same vibrant taste. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can try using cilantro paste as an alternative.
Can I make Aji Verde ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Aji Verde tastes even better after it has chilled and the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Absolutely! You can control the heat by adjusting the number of jalapeños or removing the seeds from the peppers for a milder sauce. For extra heat, keep the seeds or add more jalapeños.
What can I serve with Aji Verde?
Aji Verde is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fries, rice bowls, and even as a dipping sauce for empanadas or fried foods.
Can I freeze Aji Verde?
Freezing isn’t recommended for Aji Verde as the creamy texture may change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Aji Verde is a vibrant, creamy, and spicy sauce that’s perfect for adding a flavorful twist to your meals. With its bold and fresh ingredients, this Peruvian green sauce can transform simple dishes into extraordinary ones. Whether you drizzle it over grilled meats, serve it with roasted vegetables, or dip your fries into it, Aji Verde will undoubtedly become a go-to condiment in your kitchen.
Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Total Time: 10 minute
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Category: Sauce, Condiment, Peruvian
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian, Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with Aji Verde, a spicy, creamy Peruvian green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime, and mayonnaise. This versatile sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fries. Quick to make and full of bold flavor, Aji Verde will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
2 jalapeños, stemmed and seeded (or leave seeds for extra heat)
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional but traditional)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Blend the ingredients: Combine cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, and Parmesan in a blender or food processor.
-
Blend until smooth: Process the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is blended evenly.
-
Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt as desired. For a tangier flavor, add more lime juice, or for extra heat, add another jalapeño.
-
Chill: Chill the sauce for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve: Serve the sauce cold or at room temperature with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, fries, or rice bowls.
Notes
Huacatay (black mint): For a more authentic flavor, use Peruvian huacatay (black mint) instead of or in addition to cilantro.
Greek yogurt substitution: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier version of Aji Verde.
Extra heat: Keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add more for a spicier sauce.
