Description
Aji Verde Sauce is a vibrant, zesty, and versatile plant-based condiment bursting with fresh herbs and spicy peppers. Perfect for brightening up grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and plant-based dishes, this quick and easy sauce combines simple, natural ingredients for a fresh and creamy flavor that enhances any meal.
Ingredients
Herbs and Peppers
- Fresh Cilantro – 1 cup, chopped
- Spicy Aji Peppers – 2, seeds removed for milder heat
Wet Ingredients
- Plant-based Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup
- Garlic Cloves – 2, minced
- Lime Juice – 2 tablespoons
- Apple Cider Vinegar (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
Seasoning and Texture
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Natural Gelling Agent – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for thickness)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop fresh cilantro and aji peppers, making sure they are clean and seeds are removed if you prefer less heat. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their full flavor.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cilantro, aji peppers, minced garlic, plant-based mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a splash of olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: If the sauce needs thickening, add a small amount of natural gelling agent and blend again to integrate it fully. Season with salt and pepper to taste, blending once more for an even distribution of flavors.
- Chill and Let Flavors Meld: Transfer the sauce to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and marry beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, use the Aji Verde Sauce to brighten up grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, crispy plant-based tenders, or as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro for the most vibrant color and flavor; dried herbs do not provide the same impact.
- Remove seeds from the aji peppers to control and mellow the heat to your preference.
- For a silky smooth sauce, blend thoroughly and scrape down the sides halfway through blending.
- Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate to deepen flavors instead of serving immediately.
- Taste as you go to balance acidity, heat, and herbs for your perfect sauce profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: South American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Aji Verde Sauce, green sauce, vegan condiment, spicy herb sauce, plant-based sauce, cilantro sauce, quick sauce recipe
