Aji Verde Sauce

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Creamy, herby with just a bit of heat, this aji verde is bursting with fresh, lively flavor.

this recipe!

Looking for an alternative to tomato-based salsa? This aji verde has got you covered! We love using this on anything from this Peruvian grilled chicken to these Peruvian grilled chicken tacos. It's even good eaten by itself with tortilla chips!

I love to try expanding my children's palates and world views by exploring cuisines from all over the world right from our own dining room. It is a great way to keep myself from falling into humdrum food ruts. How we do this is, as a family, we take turn picking a new country to explore. Then, I do a bit of a deep dive to research the people, culture, and foods found in that country. It's a lot of fun and the kids really do love it!

It was on one such family foodie adventure that we chose the country of Peru. Among the various Peruvian dishes we tried, this aji verde sauce just really popped.

And huge win: it takes about 2 minutes to create! It's so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

So, yeah. You could have probably made this in the amount of time it took you to read all this, so, I'm going to just move on to the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients

½ c. Sour Cream

½ c. Mayonnaise

½ Bunch Cilantro - stems trimmed (about ¾ cup)

12-15 Fresh Mint Leaves

½ Jalapeno, seeds removed (leave this out if your family is sensitive to any level of heat - it's still really delicious without it!)

Juice From ½ a Lime

½ tsp. Salt

½ c. Cojita Cheese (While I highly recommend using the cojita cheese, if you can't locate it in your local grocery store, use grated parmesan as a replacement)

Directions

Add all ingredients except for the cojita cheese to food processor and process for about 30 seconds. (No food Processor? Pulse with a blender until the cilantro and the mint are finely chopped into the sauce.)

Now, remove the lid and stir in the cojita cheese.

Using a spatula, scrape the sauce into a small bowl. 

That's all there is to it! All that's left is figuring out how you want to serve this delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Aji Verde Sauce

Aji Verde sauce, with its vibrant green color and bold flavors, is a versatile and delightful condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you're looking to add a zesty twist to your meals or need a flavorful dip for your snacks, Aji Verde is the answer! Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious sauce:

Serve with Meats and Main Dishes:

• Grilled Meats: Aji Verde is the perfect complement to grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or shrimp. Drizzle the sauce over the grilled protein or serve it on the side for dipping. The combination of flavors will take your grilled dishes to a whole new level. This Peruvian grilled chicken, obviously, has my vote!
• Tacos and Burritos: Take your taco and burrito game to new heights with a generous spoonful of Aji Verde sauce. Its cool and tangy taste will balance the richness of the fillings, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread Aji Verde sauce on sandwiches or wraps to elevate the taste and add a refreshing twist. Whether it's a classic turkey sandwich or a veggie wrap, the sauce will bring a delightful zing to every bite.
• Fish and Seafood: Aji Verde pairs wonderfully with grilled or fried fish and seafood. Use it as a sauce for fish tacos or as a dipping sauce for shrimp or calamari. The herbaceous notes will enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.
• Breakfast Eggs: Wake up your taste buds with Aji Verde on your breakfast eggs. Whether you prefer scrambled, fried, or poached eggs, a dollop of this sauce will add a fresh and savory element to your morning meal.

As a Dip or with Sides:

• Dipping Sauce: Aji Verde is an excellent dipping sauce for a variety of finger foods. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks for a refreshing and tangy appetizer. Its creamy texture and herbaceous taste will have everyone coming back for more.
• Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle Aji Verde over grilled vegetables to give them an exciting kick. The sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled corn, asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Rice and Grain Bowls: Add a spoonful of Aji Verde sauce to rice and grain bowls for a burst of flavor. Whether you have a quinoa bowl or a rice-based dish, the sauce will take it to the next level.

Now that you have an array of serving suggestions for Aji Verde sauce, feel free to experiment and discover new ways to enjoy its tangy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, Aji Verde is sure to delight with every bite!

Storage Suggestions for Aji Verde

Aji Verde sauce is a delightful condiment that can enhance the flavors of many dishes. To make the most of this delicious sauce and preserve its freshness, proper storage is essential. Here are some helpful storage suggestions for Aji Verde:

• Refrigeration: Aji Verde sauce contains dairy-based ingredients like sour cream and mayonnaise, making it perishable. After making the sauce, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator promptly to slow down bacterial growth and maintain the sauce's quality.
• Shelf Life: In the refrigerator, Aji Verde sauce can be stored for up to 3-4 days. It's best to consume the sauce within this time frame to enjoy its peak flavor and quality.
• Freezing: I have never tried freezing this sauce. However, the next time I make it, I will definitely give it a try and update this article with my results!

By following these storage suggestions, you can savor the flavors of Aji Verde sauce for an extended period. Whether you're making a small batch or preserving leftovers, proper storage ensures that this zesty and versatile sauce remains a delicious addition to your favorite dishes. Enjoy the convenience of having Aji Verde sauce on hand whenever you need to add a burst of flavor and freshness to your meals!

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