Aji Verde Recipe (Peruvian Green Sauce)

4.78 from 27 votes

Aji Verde Recipe (Peruvian Green Sauce)

Aji Verde is a Peruvian green hot sauce. It's made up of fresh cilantro, aji amarillo, and cheese that makes it creamy and spicy. Typically served alongisde pollo a la brasa, it pairs well with roasted vegetables, chicken or bread.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Total Time15

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Peruvian, South American

Servings: cups

Author: Adrianna Adarme

Cost: $12

Equipment

1 blender

Ingredients

1 whole lime juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's)
3 ounces queso fresco or blanco
2 serrano peppers ends trimmed
1 bunch cilantro with the leaves removed and stems discarded*
4 garlic cloves peeled
2 green onions ends trimmed and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste (optional)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

To a blender, add the lime juice, olive oil, cheese, mayonnaise, serrano peppers, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, green onions, aji amarillo and salt. Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes, until very smooth. At first the cilantro leaves won't be totally smooth, but keep the blender running and it will eventually become cohesive and smooth.
Give it a taste and adjust the salt according to your liking. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

Tips:

If you have a super high-powered blender such as a Vitamix or Ninja, etc, it can process a lot of the stems. If you don't, I suggest using only cilantro leaves.
Add the liquids to the bottom of the blender and then add the cilantro on top. It helps combine all of the ingredients easily.
To make this Whole 30, eliminate the cheese and replace it with a bit more Whole 30 compliant mayonnaise.

Equipment:

Vitamix Blender | Squeeze Bottles | Silicon Spatulas

Ingredients:

Aji Amarillo | Aji Panca

Nutrition