Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, mostly leaves but small stems are ok (from 1 big bunch of cilantro or 1 ½ medium)
• 2 medium jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed but reserved, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup grated Cotija or Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

Steps

1. 1Mark step 1 done

   In a food processor or blender, combine all of the ingredients. Blend until the cilantro has broken into very tiny pieces and the sauce is green and mostly smooth (no matter how long you blend it, it will still have some texture to it).

2. 2Mark step 2 done

   Taste, and adjust if necessary. This sauce is intentionally bold and spicy and I usually think it’s just right as written. However, if the flavor is too overwhelming, blend in 1 tablespoon of olive oil while running the food processor. If it’s not spicy enough, add some of the reserved jalapeño seeds and blend again. If it doesn’t have enough zip, add another tablespoon of lime juice and/or a pinch of salt.

3. 3Mark step 3 done

   Aji verde keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 1 week.