Description
Aji Verde Sauce is a zesty, creamy green sauce bursting with fresh herbs, jalapeños, and smooth plant-based ingredients. Perfect as a dip, dressing, or condiment, this vibrant sauce adds brightness and spice to any meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients, its creamy texture comes from plant-based options, and the heat level can be customized to your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Herbs and Fresh Produce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeds removed for milder heat (adjust as desired)
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Plant-Based Creamy Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soaked raw cashews (soaked in warm water for at least 20 minutes) or 1/2 cup plain plant-based yogurt
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare fresh ingredients: Wash and roughly chop the fresh cilantro, parsley, and jalapeños. Remove seeds from jalapeños if you prefer less heat. Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
- Soak your plant-based creamy base: If using cashews, soak them in warm water for at least 20 minutes to soften, which ensures a creamy texture. If using plant-based yogurt, proceed to the next step.
- Blend all ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews or plant-based yogurt, chopped herbs, jalapeños, garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape the sides as needed.
- Add natural gelling agent: Add a small amount of natural gelling agent for the perfect consistency and blend briefly again to incorporate it fully. The sauce should be thick but still pourable.
- Taste and adjust: Sample your sauce and adjust seasoning to your liking by adding more lime juice for brightness or salt to enhance the flavors. Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
- Control the heat by adjusting the number of jalapeños and removing seeds if needed.
- Blend thoroughly to achieve a silky, smooth texture without lumps.
- Allow the sauce to chill to deepen flavors and harmonize the taste.
- Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- The sauce freezes well when portioned into ice cube trays; thaw and stir before serving.
- Serve cold or at room temperature; gently bring to room temperature if warming is preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Aji Verde Sauce, green sauce, plant-based sauce, jalapeño sauce, creamy dip, vegan sauce, gluten free sauce