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The Recipe · No.764 · Aji Verde

Aji Verde, and where to source it

Aji Verde — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Aji Verde Peruvian 5best2buy.com

Cilantro and aji amarillo give it the herbal spine and the fruity heat, and a little cheese blended into the base is what makes it rich and savory rather than just a herb sauce. Blend it long enough that it turns silky and pale green with no flecks.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook0 min
Makesabout 1.5 cups
CuisinePeruvian
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy · eggs
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 cups
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Fresh cilantro
The green body and bright flavor; a big handful, washed and dried. Bought local.
1 cuprecommended
Source it →
Aji amarillo paste
Peruvian yellow chili for the fruity heat that defines the sauce. Local.
2 tbsprecommended
Local / market
Mayonnaise
The creamy emulsion base. A good egg mayo makes it richer.
1/2 cuprecommended
Source it →
Queso fresco
A little crumbled fresh cheese for a salty, savory body. Fresh.
1/4 cuprecommended
Source it →
Garlic and lime
Garlic for punch and lime to cut the richness. Fresh.
to tasteto taste
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Load the blenderAdd cilantro, aji amarillo, garlic, cheese, and lime juice to a blender.
  2. Blend smoothBlend on high until it is bright green and completely smooth.
  3. EmulsifyAdd the mayonnaise and pulse until thick and creamy.
  4. ChillStore cold; it firms up and the flavors settle.
The Toolkit

Blender · Spatula · Citrus press

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Aji Verde? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Aji Verde ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Aji Verde gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Aji Verde vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.764

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