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Unlock the Flavors of Peru: Aji Verde Recipe

Peruvian cuisine has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. With its rich cultural heritage and bold flavors, it’s no wonder that Peruvian chefs have risen to international acclaim. But beyond the haute cuisine, there’s a humble hero that deserves attention: the almighty aji verde.

Aji Verde: The Perfect Companion

This creamy, spiced green sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any summer grill. Whether you’re serving chicken, fish, or veggies, aji verde adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only 10 minutes of your time.

Chef José Luis Chavez’s Secret Recipe

We’re lucky to have Peruvian chef José Luis Chavez share his secret recipe for aji verde. As the head chef at Mission Ceviche in New York City, Chavez knows a thing or two about this iconic sauce. His recipe combines bright Peruvian spices, fresh cilantro, jalapeno, and aji amarillo paste, blended to perfection with a hint of garlic and onion.

The Holy Trinity of Peruvian Cuisine

In Peruvian cooking, the “Holy Trinity” consists of onion, garlic, and aji amarillo paste. These three ingredients form the foundation of many traditional dishes, including aji verde. By combining them with fresh cilantro, jalapeno, and a squeeze of vinegar, Chavez creates a sauce that’s both bold and refreshing.

Make It Your Own

While Chavez’s recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, you can always add your own twist. Some recipes call for a dab of mayonnaise or avocado to achieve a thicker, creamier sauce. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.

Aji Verde Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces diced white onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño
• 2 tablespoons confit aji amarillo
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
• 4 tablespoons of Canola oil
• 1 pasteurized egg yolk
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Confit the garlic and onions in oil until golden, then cool and reserve.
2. Blend the reserved mixture with cilantro, jalapeño, aji amarillo confit, pasteurized egg yolk, vinegar, oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste.
3. Drizzle in the oil slowly to emulsify, blending until very smooth.

Get Ready to Grill

With this aji verde recipe, you’ll be ready to elevate your summer grill game in no time. Whether you’re serving chicken, fish, or veggies, this creamy, spiced green sauce is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the vibrant flavors of Peru!