February 23, 2025
Recipes

Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce Recipe

Peruvian Aji Verde is a creamy, spicy green sauce made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and a tangy blend of sour cream and yogurt, blended to a smooth, vibrant finish. This zesty sauce is perfect for drizzling over grilled meats and roasted vegetables or as a bold dipping sauce for fries and empanadas.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: This Peruvian aji verde sauce delivers the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and spicy flavors! The bright cilantro provides a fresh foundation, while the jalapeños add a gentle heat that the creamy tang of yogurt and sour cream balances.

Incredibly Versatile: Few condiments can match this aji verde recipe in versatility. It works as a dip for crispy fries or roasted vegetables, adds zesty flavor to grilled meats, and adds so much flavor to simple sandwiches! I’ve even used it as a salad dressing by thinning it slightly with olive oil – the possibilities are truly endless.

Quick and Easy: Despite its complex flavor profile, this Peruvian green sauce comes together in just minutes with minimal effort. Simply gather your ingredients, blend until smooth, and you’ve created a restaurant-quality sauce that will impress family and friends.

Supplies Needed

Blender or food processor
Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

Fresh Cilantro: This is the star of the show, providing vibrant color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Jalapeños: Adjust the heat by removing the seeds – remove all for mild sauce or keep some for extra kick.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for a deep, savory flavor!
Sour Cream & Greek Yogurt: I like to use a combination of sour cream and Greek yogurt for the perfect flavor and texture. Use full fat for the best flavor!
Lime: Add lime juice to taste, for a bright and tangy flavor. .
Cotija Cheese: This dry, crumbly Mexican cheese adds a subtle saltiness and depth!
Salt: Add to taste.

How To Make Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce

Prep: Rinse the fresh cilantro thoroughly and roughly chop it. Remove the stems if desired. Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder heat (leave some seeds for extra spice, if preferred). Peel the garlic cloves.
Blend: In a blender or food processor, combine the 2 cups fresh cilantro, 3 jalapeños, 4 garlic cloves, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup cotija cheese, and the juice of 1 lime.
Season: Add a generous pinch of salt to taste. Blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even blend.
Adjust if Needed: If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of water or more lime juice to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
Serve or Store: Transfer the Aji Verde to a jar or airtight container. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Expert Tips And Storing

Adjust the consistency according to use. The perfect Peruvian aji verde should be thick enough to cling to food but pourable. Add water or extra lime juice one teaspoon at a time to reach your ideal texture.
Make it ahead of time! Ají verde actually tastes better the next day. So feel free to make it a day ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
To store, keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The sauce may separate slightly – simply stir before using.

What To Pair With It

This vibrant sauce pairs beautifully with traditional Peruvian marinated chicken, grilled chicken wings, or a whole spatchcock chicken where the sauce can be drizzled on top! It makes an exceptional dipping sauce for crispy tostones, jicama fries, or crispy herb garlic roasted potatoes – the creamy texture complementing the crisp exterior of these sides perfectly.

Don’t limit it to just proteins and starches though! aji verde works wonderfully as a dressing on a fresh green salad, or spread it on sandwiches or burgers instead of mayo, or even toss it with roasted vegetables for an instant flavor upgrade.

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