Best Aji Salsa Recipes

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AJí (COLOMBIAN-STYLE FRESH SALSA)



Ají (Colombian-Style Fresh Salsa) image

Colombian food is typically not spicy on its own. Instead, a hot sauce called ají - also the Colombian word for chiles - is served tableside. There are as many types of ají as there are regions in Colombia, but this version, heavy on cilantro and onions, is a good all-purpose sauce that goes especially well with fried foods. Many ají recipes include some white vinegar or lime juice. I prefer using plain water to dilute mine, and I serve lime wedges on the side for diners to add at their discretion. This recipe uses half an onion and half a tomato; use the other half for empanadas.

Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt

Categories     condiments

Time 15m

Yield About 1 1/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 packed cup cilantro, leaves and tender stems
1/2 small white or yellow onion
3 scallions
1 serrano or Fresno chile, or jalapeño
1/2 ripe beefsteak tomato
Kosher salt
Lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Finely mince the cilantro, onion, scallions and chile by hand, or by roughly chopping, then pulsing in a food processor. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  • Working directly in the medium bowl and using a flat palm to press the cut side of the tomato against the large holes of a box grater, grate the tomato until you're left with just the skin. (The skin should protect your hand from the grater.) Discard the skin.
  • Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few tablespoons of water. Squeeze with lime juice to taste. Stir to combine. The ají should be quite thin in texture. Add more water as necessary. Taste and season with more salt, if desired. Finished ají can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

AJI (COLOMBIAN SALSA)



Aji (Colombian Salsa) image

This is a hot, spicy salsa typically served with empanadas and other foods as a condiment. It has more liquid than, say, a Mexican salsa. Prep time does not include 1 hour "marinating" time.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Onions

Time 10m

Yield 1/2 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup green onion, finely minced (white and light green part only)
1/8 cup fresh cilantro, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced (more or less to taste)
1 teaspoon tomatoes, finely minced

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients, cover, and let sit in refrigerator for at least an hour so all the flavors develop before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 39.1, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 13.7, Carbohydrate 8.2, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 3.4, Protein 1.4

AJI (COLOMBIAN SALSA)



Aji (Colombian Salsa) image

A tangy fresh Colombian-style salsa which can be made delicious either mild or XXX hot! Goes great with grilled meats, empanadas, and tostones, but I put it on everything... even my eggs! There seem to be several variations of this; some watery, some oily, some saucy, some chunky, but my mom is from Barranquilla, Colombia and this is how she makes it.

Provided by Jesse Clark

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Salsa Recipes     Tomato Salsa Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large plum tomato, coarsely chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
½ small onion, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lime, juiced
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Combine tomato, cilantro, onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Add olive oil, lime juice, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt; pulse until a coarse paste forms. Mix in green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 51.5 calories, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 299.3 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

AJí (COLOMBIAN-STYLE FRESH SALSA)



Ají (Colombian-Style Fresh Salsa) image

Categories     Vegetable

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup packed, cilantro, leaves and tender stems
1/2 head small white or yellow onion
3 sprigs scallions
1 piece serrano or Fresno chile, or jalapeño
1/2 piece ripe beefsteak tomato
1 pinch Kosher salt
1 piece Lime wedges

Steps:

  • Finely mince the cilantro, onion, scallions and chile by hand, or by roughly chopping, then pulsing in a food processor. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  • Working directly in the medium bowl and using a flat palm to press the cut side of the tomato against the large holes of a box grater, grate the tomato until you're left with just the skin. (The skin should protect your hand from the grater.) Discard the skin.
  • Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few tablespoons of water. Squeeze with lime juice to taste. Stir to combine. The ají should be quite thin in texture. Add more water as necessary. Taste and season with more salt, if desired. Finished ají can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

AJI AMARILLO-PINEAPPLE SALSA



Aji Amarillo-Pineapple Salsa image

Provided by Douglas Rodriguez

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Sauce     Fruit     No-Cook     Quick & Easy     Pineapple     Bell Pepper     Hot Pepper     Summer     Jalapeño     Cilantro     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes about 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups 1/4-inch cubes peeled cored pineapple (about half of 1 large)
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped seeded red jalapeño chiles
4 teaspoons hot pepper Aji Amarillo paste* (from 7.5-ounce jar)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand 2 hours, tossing occasionally. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
  • *Available at Latin American markets.

PERUVIAN AJI SALSA VERDE



Peruvian Aji Salsa Verde image

Classic Peruvian green sauce for chips. Can be as mild or spicy as you want. Not salsa in the typical latin restaurant sense of the word, just a unique savory and tangy sauce for dipping. Refrigerate and keep for weeks!

Provided by GoldsmithLissa

Categories     Peruvian

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped including stems
3 jalapenos (this will be very hot, remove seeds or use less to taste)
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/3 cup water
splash lemon juice

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 112.2, Fat 11.5, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 1.9, Sodium 249.2, Carbohydrate 2.6, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 0.8, Protein 0.3

AJI (COLOMBIAN SALSA)



Aji (Colombian Salsa) image

This is a hot, spicy salsa typically served with empanadas and other foods as a condiment. It has more liquid than, say, a Mexican salsa. Prep time does not include 1 hour "marinating" time.

Provided by Lucy Selvaggio-Diaz

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp distilled white vinegar
1 Tbsp water
1/4 c minced green onion
1/8 c minced fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 tsp minced tomato

Steps:

  • 1. Combine all ingredients, cover, and let sit in refrigerator for at least an hour so all the flavors develop before serving.

AJI CHILE SALSA



Aji Chile Salsa image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Soak 1/3 cup finely diced white onion in ice water 15 minutes; drain. Mix with 1/2 cup each finely diced tomato and chopped cilantro, 1 each seeded minced aji chile and garlic clove, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil. Thin with water. Season with salt.

HOT AJI SALSA



Hot Aji Salsa image

Make and share this Hot Aji Salsa recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Iowahorse

Categories     Sauces

Time 40m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 'aji mirasol' chilies or 3 diced 'aji amarillo' chilies, stems removed (or substitute 3 dried red New Mexican chiles)
1 small onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4-1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
8 saltine crackers, crushed
3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese or 3/4 cup muenster cheese
1 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 lemon, juice of
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Saute the chiles, onion and garlic in a tablespoon of the oil until soft.
  • Place in a blender or food processor along with the peanuts, crackers, cheese, milk and cilantro and puree until smooth.
  • Add the lemon juice and, with the machine running, add the oil a little at a time until the sauce is the desired consistency.
  • Heat before serving, and store any extra in the refrigerator.
  • Note: Using saltine crackers to thicken a sauce is unusual but not uncommon in Peru.
  • This all-purpose sauce can be served with potatoes, french fries, corn chips, fried foods, seafood, steaks or anything else imaginable.
  • The more you add, the hotter it gets and the BETTER it tastes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 970.6, Fat 75.9, SaturatedFat 19, Cholesterol 69.7, Sodium 993.1, Carbohydrate 47.2, Fiber 6.6, Sugar 8.4, Protein 34.4

AJI CRIOLLO - GREEN AJI SALSA



Aji Criollo - Green Aji Salsa image

This bright green salsa goes well with just about anything - empanadas, potatoes, vegetables, grilled meats, etc. It's a bit like chimichurri sauce, but without the garlic - scallions add a milder onion flavor instead. Recipe is from About.com South American Food

Provided by Lavender Lynn

Categories     Sauces

Time 10m

Yield 3/4 Cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large bunch cilantro
3 -4 green onions
1 lime
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 small green chili pepper, such as a jalapeñ, o
4 tablespoons olive oil or 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Wash the cilantro and dry thoroughly. Separate the leaves from the stems, and place the leaves in a food processor or blender, discarding stems. Chop the green onions and add them to the food processor with the cilantro. Process the mixture in short pulses, until everything is coarsely chopped.
  • Mince the chile pepper, removing any stems or seeds. Add minced chile pepper by the teaspoon to the cilantro and onions, pulsing the mixture after each addition, until desired spiciness is obtained.
  • Whisk together the vinegar and the juice from 1/2 of the lime. Whisk in the olive oil. Stir the chopped cilantro, green onions and chile pepper mixture into the oil and lime juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt to taste, or more lime juice if desired.
  • 4.Store salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve (salsa should keep for up to a week in the fridge).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 710.1, Fat 72.4, SaturatedFat 10, Sodium 17.4, Carbohydrate 19.5, Fiber 5, Sugar 6, Protein 2.9

SALSA DE AJI COLORADO



Salsa De Aji Colorado image

This sauce can be served with Chancho a la Chilena (Pork Loin, Chilean Style) and for a milder sauce discard vinegar that peppers were soaked in and use fresh vinegar. Posted for ZWT 4 - South/Central America and found on recipehound.com's website.

Provided by lauralie41

Categories     Spreads

Time 45m

Yield 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

24 hot red peppers, seeded and cut into strips
1 cup wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • In a large glass bowl add the pepper strips and vinegar. Let set overnight and stir with a wooden spoon one or two times. Drain the peppers, reserving the vinegar in a glass bowl. In a blender or food processor add the peppers, garlic, and salt. Slowly pour enough vinegar into the mixture to reduce to a puree.
  • Pour pepper puree back into the large glass bowl and beat in the oil. Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved vinegar so that the sauce has the consistency of mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Serve with plainly cooked meat, poultry, fish, or cold meats.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 752.7, Fat 67.3, SaturatedFat 8.7, Sodium 969.3, Carbohydrate 38.5, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 22.9, Protein 8.2

AJI SALSA



Aji salsa image

Categories     Tomato

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 Roma tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
4 Scallions, finely sliced (white and pale green sections)
1/2 cup Cilantro (loosely packed)
1 Jalapeno (finely chopped)
1/2 cup Water (cold)

Steps:

  • Combine tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, and chili in a small bowl. Season generously with salt and let sit 2 minutes until salt dissolves. Add water and stir to combine. Ají can be eaten immediately or stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

What is Aji Salsa?

Aji salsa is a popular condiment that originates in South America, particularly in the Andean region of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It is a bright, flavorful sauce made from aji peppers, a type of hot pepper that is widely used in Latin American cuisine. Aji salsa is often served with grilled meats, fish, and vegetables, and can also be used as a dipping sauce or a marinade.

Ingredients of Aji Salsa

There are many variations of aji salsa recipes, but most include a combination of the following ingredients:
  • Aji peppers: the main ingredient, which gives the salsa its spicy flavor.
  • Garlic: adds depth and flavor to the salsa.
  • Onion: for sweetness and texture.
  • Cilantro: adds freshness and a bright, herbal note to the salsa.
  • Lime juice: for acidity and brightness.
  • Salt and pepper: to balance the flavors and enhance the spiciness of the aji peppers.

How to Make Aji Salsa

Making aji salsa is relatively easy and can be done with only a few ingredients. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
  • 10-12 aji peppers
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 3 tbsp. of lime juice
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • 1/2 tsp. of black pepper
Instructions:
  1. Wash and dry the aji peppers, removing any stems or seeds.
  2. Finely chop the peppers and put them in a bowl.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.
  4. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  5. Transfer the salsa to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Variations of Aji Salsa Recipes

There are countless variations of aji salsa recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are a few ideas to try out:
Aji Amarillo Salsa:
This is a classic Peruvian salsa that is made with aji amarillo peppers, which have a fruity, slightly sweet flavor. To make this salsa, substitute aji amarillo peppers for the aji peppers in the basic recipe.
Aji Pique Salsa:
This Colombian salsa is made with a blend of aji peppers, vinegar, and spices. To make this salsa, blend together a few aji peppers with vinegar, salt, and sugar until smooth.
Aji Verde Salsa:
This is a popular salsa in Chile and is made with jalapeño peppers, cilantro, garlic, and mayonnaise. To make this salsa, blend together jalapeño peppers, garlic, cilantro, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth.

Uses of Aji Salsa

Aji salsa can be used in a variety of ways, from adding spice to grilled meats to serving as a dip for chips and veggies. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Meats:
Brush aji salsa onto grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a spicy and flavorful kick.
Roasted Vegetables:
Drizzle aji salsa over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower for added flavor.
Eggs:
Spoon aji salsa onto scrambled eggs or omelets for a spicy breakfast treat.
Dipping Sauce:
Serve aji salsa as a dip for tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or crudité platters.

In Conclusion

Aji salsa is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds flavor and spice to a wide range of dishes. Whether you prefer it as a dip, a marinade, or a topping, there's no denying the bright and bold flavor of this South American classic. So next time you're looking to add some heat to your meal, reach for a jar of aji salsa and add a touch of Latin American flavor to your plate.
Aji salsa is a popular sauce in South American cuisine, particularly in countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. It is made with aji peppers, which are known for their unique flavor and spiciness. Aji salsa is versatile and can be used as a dip, marinade, or condiment to add a spicy kick to your meals. If you enjoy spicy food, you’ll definitely love aji salsa. Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your own aji salsa recipes.

Tip #1: Choose the right aji pepper

The key ingredient in aji salsa is the aji pepper. There are many varieties of aji peppers, each with a distinct flavor and level of spiciness. Some of the most popular aji peppers used in aji salsa include aji amarillo, aji limo, and aji panca. Aji amarillo is the most commonly used aji pepper in aji salsa recipes. It has a bright orange color and a fruity flavor with a moderate level of spiciness. Aji limo, on the other hand, is a smaller pepper that is bright red in color and has a higher level of heat. Aji panca is a dark red aji pepper with a smoky flavor and a mild level of spiciness. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose the aji pepper that suits your taste buds.

Tip #2: Roast the aji peppers

Roasting the aji peppers before blending them into the salsa adds a smoky flavor and enhances the flavor of the peppers. To roast the aji peppers, place them on a baking sheet and broil them for a few minutes on each side until the skins are charred. Remove them from the oven and place them in a plastic bag for 10-15 minutes to allow the skins to loosen. Once the peppers have cooled, remove the skins and seeds.

Tip #3: Add acidity

To balance out the spice in aji salsa, it’s important to add an acidic element to the recipe. Some common acids used in aji salsa recipes include vinegar, lime juice, and lemon juice. These acids not only balance out the heat but also give the salsa a tangy flavor. Depending on the recipe, you can experiment with different acids to see which one works best for you.

Tip #4: Add aromatics

To add depth of flavor to aji salsa, it’s a good idea to incorporate aromatics such as garlic, onion, and cilantro. These ingredients not only add flavor but also complement the spiciness of the aji peppers. When adding garlic and onion, it’s important to sauté them first to remove the sharpness of the raw flavors.

Tip #5: Adjust the heat level

Aji peppers can vary in their level of spiciness, so it’s important to taste the salsa as you go and adjust the heat level accordingly. If the salsa is too spicy, you can add more acidity or sweetness to balance out the heat. Similarly, if the salsa is not spicy enough, you can add more aji peppers or a spicier variety of aji pepper.

Tip #6: Experiment with ingredients

Aji salsa is a versatile sauce that can be customized to suit your preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with ingredients and add your own personal touch to the recipe. For example, you can add tomatoes, mangoes, or pineapples to the salsa to give it a fruity flavor. You can also add spices such as cumin or paprika to enhance the flavor.

Tip #7: Store the salsa properly

Aji salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To extend the shelf life of the salsa, you can also freeze it in a sealed plastic bag or container for up to three months. When storing the salsa, it’s important to label the container with the date so that you can keep track of its freshness.
Conclusion
Aji salsa is a delicious and spicy condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. By following these tips, you can make your own aji salsa recipes that are flavorful, spicy, and balanced. Remember to choose the right aji pepper, roast the peppers, add acidity and aromatics, adjust the heat level, experiment with ingredients, and store the salsa properly. With these tips in mind, you can create aji salsa that is unique and customized to your taste.

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