Aji Amarillo Sauce

Name: Aji Amarillo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: Fresh ají amarillo peppers (or substitute with yellow chile paste) — 6; Garlic cloves — 2; Mayonnaise — 60 g (1/4 cup); Queso fresco or a mild cheese, crumbled (optional) — 30 g (2 tbsp); Fresh lime juice — 10 ml (2 tsp); Salt — 3 g (1/2 tsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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10 min

Prep

2 min

Cook

Ingredients

Fresh ají amarillo peppers (or substitute with yellow chile paste) — 6
Garlic cloves — 2
Mayonnaise — 60 g (1/4 cup)
Queso fresco or a mild cheese, crumbled (optional) — 30 g (2 tbsp)
Fresh lime juice — 10 ml (2 tsp)
Salt — 3 g (1/2 tsp)

Method

Remove seeds and veins from ají amarillo peppers for a milder sauce, or leave some in for extra heat.
Blanch peppers briefly in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain (this mellows their flavour and heat slightly).
Combine blanched peppers, garlic, mayonnaise and cheese if using in a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Stir in lime juice and salt; adjust consistency with a little water if too thick.

Cultural Background: Peru's most essential chile, the bright yellow-orange ají amarillo forms the backbone of countless Peruvian sauces and dishes, its fruity, moderately spicy flavour blended into a creamy sauce used to season everything from causa to grilled meats.

Tips: • Blanching the peppers briefly mellows their heat slightly while preserving their distinctive fruity flavour. • If fresh ají amarillo is unavailable, jarred ají amarillo paste is a widely available and reliable substitute.

Variations: • Omit cheese for a lighter, more purely chile-forward version. • Use as a dressing base for potato salads like causa.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Reheating: Not applicable; served cold or at room temperature. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 60 kcal, 1 g protein, 5.5 g fat, 1.5 g carbohydrate per 15 ml serving.

FAQs: What is ají amarillo sauce traditionally used for? A general table sauce for grilled meats, and a key ingredient in dishes like causa and ají de gallina. Where can I find ají amarillo? Fresh peppers may be available at Latin grocers; jarred ají amarillo paste is a reliable and widely available substitute.