Gourmet Meal

Rebecca Thompson

Dedicated woman chef with a passion for creating unforgettable main dishes. Innovative and skilled in crafting diverse flavors that leave a lasting impression.

Aji Verde Sauce

Name: Aji Verde Sauce
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems; 1/4 cup raw cashews; 1/4 cup water; 2 stalks green onion; 2 Tbsp lime juice; 1-2 Tbsp aji amarillo paste; 1 small clove garlic; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt

Aji Verde Sauce, or Peruvian green sauce, is a vibrant and tangy condiment with roots in Peru. This green sauce has an exceptional creaminess, smokiness and spiciness that makes it a perfect add-on to various dishes. It is often served at parties or get-togethers, adding an extra kick of flavor to the food.

The specialty of the Aji Verde Sauce is the use of cilantro, lime, and aji amarillo paste, altogether creating a colorful and palatable blend. This dairy-free sauce is also enriched with the nutty flavor of cashews and the fresh taste of green onions, making it a distinctive condiment. Moreover, the presence of maple syrup brings in a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

This sauce, apart from being super delicious, leaves no one indifferent - even the blender gets cleaned up after making it!

Calories
100
Time
10
Portions
4
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Cilantro Leaves And Tender Stems 1 cup
Raw Cashews 1/4 cup
Water 1/4 cup
Green Onion 2 stalks
Lime Juice 2 Tbsp
Aji Amarillo Paste 1-2 Tbsp
Garlic 1 small clove
Maple Syrup 1 tsp
Sea Salt 1/4-1/2 tsp

Preparation

Sauce Preparation

Firstly, gather all the recipe ingredients including cilantro, raw cashews, water, green onions, lime juice, aji amarillo paste, a small clove of garlic, maple syrup, and sea salt.
Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender. Start mixing by using smaller amounts of the listed ingredients.
Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure to scrape down the sides as needed.

Flavor Adjustment

Taste the prepared Aji Amarillo sauce. Depending on your preference, you may add more lime juice for an added zing, aji amarillo paste or jalapeño for heat, your chosen sweetener for a balance of taste, or salt to augment the overall flavor.
You can also dilute the sauce by adding water at increments of 1 Tbsp if a thinner consistency is preferred.
For better results, either use the sauce right away or chill it for an hour.

Storage

Remaining sauce can be stored in a sealed container and refrigerated for 3-4 days. However, the color may fade a bit over time.
Please note that freezing is not recommended as the sauce will lose its vibrancy and freshness.

Suggestions

Using High-Speed Blender

Using a high-speed blender for this recipe is highly recommended. This helps in creating a creamy and smooth Aji Verde Sauce.

If you decide to use an immersion blender, note that the outcome may not be as smooth and the mixture may require slightly more water.

Nutritional Advice

As a healthier option, this Aji Verde Sauce is dairy-free. It also uses maple syrup instead of honey, making it a good choice for vegans.

Ingredient Variations

The use of aji amarillo paste provides the distinct flavor of this Peruvian sauce. However, if it's not available, you might substitute it with a seeded jalapeño.

Frequent Questions

Can I replace cilantro with another herb in this sauce?

Cilantro is one of the key ingredients in Aji Verde Sauce and adds a characteristic flavor. However, if you're not a fan of cilantro, you could try using fresh parsley instead.

Why is there a need to adjust flavor after blending?

Flavor adjustment after blending is an essential step in making the Aji Verde Sauce. This helps customize the taste according to your preference and enhances the balance of flavors in the sauce.

What can I serve with Aji Verde Sauce?

Aji Verde Sauce is versatile. It goes particularly well with bowls, salads, tacos, roasted potatoes, chicken, and much more. Experiment with different food combinations, and you might find your own favorite!

Can I use a substitute for sea salt?

Yes, if you don't have sea salt, you can use ordinary table salt or kosher salt. However, please note that salt types have different intensities so adjust the quantity as per your taste.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey can be used instead of maple syrup to balance the heat of the sauce. This, however, makes the recipe non-vegan.