Description
Aji Verde is a vibrant Peruvian green sauce made from fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and creamy mayonnaise and sour cream. This zesty and flavorful sauce is perfect for adding a tangy kick to grilled meats, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables. Ready in just 10 minutes, it blends creamy, spicy, and tangy elements for an authentic taste of Peru.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce 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
- Combine Ingredients: Add cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese into a blender or food processor.
- Blend Smooth: Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth and creamy sauce. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure even blending.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt as needed. Adjust flavors by adding more lime juice for extra tang or an additional jalapeño for more heat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the sauce for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Leaving the jalapeño seeds will increase the sauce’s spiciness.
- For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Parmesan cheese adds a traditional depth of flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches.
