Description
Aji Verde is a vibrant and tangy Peruvian green sauce made from fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, and lime juice. This creamy condiment offers a perfect balance of heat and zest, traditionally enhanced with Parmesan cheese. It is quick to prepare and a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats, potatoes, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
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: Place the cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor.
- Blend: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Season: Taste the sauce and add salt to your preference. Adjust flavor by adding more lime juice for extra tang or an additional jalapeño if you prefer more heat.
- Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Leaving the jalapeño seeds in will increase the heat level of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a traditional nutty flavor.
- This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, roasted potatoes, and sandwiches.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
