Description
This vibrant Peruvian Green Sauce, or ‘Aji Verde,’ is a burst of flavor that elevates any dish. With its fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and creamy avocado, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or mixing into salads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch Cilantro (stems and all)
- 1–2 Limes (juiced)
- 1–2 Jalapeño (stem removed)
- 5–10 cloves Garlic
- 2 C Mayonnaise (Hellman's or Duke's preferred)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your cilantro is clean and dry. This helps the sauce blend smoothly. You can rinse the cilantro under cold water and pat it with a towel.
- Next, juice the limes. Cut them in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice. Aim for about 2-4 tablespoons of lime juice, depending on your taste preference. The juice should be fresh and bright; if it tastes flat, it may be too old.
- Now, prepare the jalapeños. Remove the stems and slice them in half. If you prefer less heat, you can scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Chop them roughly; they’ll be blended, so precision isn’t crucial.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. Use about 5 to 10 cloves, depending on how garlicky you want your sauce. Fresh garlic is key, as it adds a pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the cilantro, lime juice, jalapeños, garlic, and mayonnaise. I recommend using Hellman's or Duke's mayonnaise for the best flavor and creaminess. Blend on high for about 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Once blended, taste the sauce. If you want more acidity, add a bit more lime juice; if it needs more heat, add another jalapeño. Blend again until fully combined. Remember, you can always adjust to suit your personal taste!
- Transfer your Peruvian Green Sauce into a squeeze bottle or jar for easy storage. This sauce can be enjoyed right away, but allowing it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge can deepen the flavors even more.
- Finally, serve the sauce on your favorite dishes, and enjoy! Just a heads up, be careful not to overfill the blender; too much mixture can overflow during blending. If that happens, a mess can ensue!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Start with fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the ingredient ratios to your liking, and let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.