Peruvian Aji Verde Recipes

AJI VERDE (SPICY PERUVIAN GREEN SAUCE)

Steps:

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

PERUVIAN AJI VERDE

Steps:

• Blend cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a food processor or blender. Blend in more mayonnaise or oil to adjust thickness if desired.

PERUVIAN ROAST CHICKEN WITH AJI VERDE

Steps:

• Chicken:.
• Preheat the oven to 425*F.
• Remove 5 cloves from the head of garlic, then halve the remaining head horizontally.
• Season the chicken cavity with salt and pepper to taste, then stuff with the halved garlic. Smash the garlic cloves, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt, and with the side of a large knife, mash and smear with the mixture to a coarse paste. Put the garlic in a bowl and mix with the vinegar, 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, and cumin. Rub the garlic mixture on the outside of the chicken.
• Whisk the soy sauce and sugar together and brush all over the outside of the bird. Tuck the wings under the back, cross the legs, tie them with kitchen twine. Set a v-rack or regular rack in a roasting pan and brush with the oil.
• Place the chicken breast side down on the rack and roast until the back is golden brown, about 35-40 minutes. Remove the pan from oven and turn the chicken breast side up. Cut the string where it holds the legs together and gently open up the legs a bit. Baste the chicken with the pan drippings and roast again until the breast is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170*F., 20-25 more minutes.
• Move the chicken to a carving board and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
• To make the Aji Verde sauce:.
• Puree the cilantro, cheese, olive oil, water, jalapenos, garlic, vinegar, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Carve the chicken and serve drizzled with the sauce. Enjoy!

PERUVIAN AJI SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Add all ingredients and blend until smooth.
• Use peppers, garlic, and salt to taste. Experiment as necessary, you can't go wrong. (For mild version, use 1/4 to 1/2 jalepeno pepper and remove seeds).
• I recommend allowing to refrigerate a bit before serving to set and let flavors mix.
• Serve with bread or chips.