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Home » Denver

Published: Jan 7, 2021 · Updated: Feb 17, 2024 · May contain affiliate links

Amazing Peruvian Green Sauce

Jump to Recipe·5 from 3 reviews
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Peruvian Green Sauce is a jalapeno, cilantro, garlic lover's delight! I really must say that this is WAY BETTER than ketchup! I eat it on everything!

Peruvian Green Sauce

(This is an updated post from 2014. It is one of my most popular so I figured it was time to reintroduce this!)

Peruvian green sauce is my go to favorite sauce. Loaded with lots of my most loved ingredients; this is way better than ketchup.

I don't know if it's the tanginess of the lime juice, the spice of the peppers, or the herbiness of the cilantro, but this sauce is amazing.

It seems every one who tried this likes it, though purists dispute that this isn't the real thing. I agree!  I've never had the real thing, because I've never been to Peru.

After serious research, I've decided that every home cook must have there own version.

 

Peruvian Green Sauce

 

So here goes: Yes, I know jalapenos are not a Peruvian pepper. But in Denver we can't get Peruvian peppers, so jalapenos will have to do.

I did find aji paste in the grocery, so if you'd like to amp up the spice, just add a spoonful to this recipe.

However, I love this just as it is. Though it seems some on Pinterest have taken great offense. Well, recipes are so adaptable and this is one of them.

And just like some Chinese recipes are fake news, I guess some Peruvian recipes are also.

 

Peruvian Green Sauce this …

Peruvian Green Sauce

I did not name this. Originally, I found this on Serious Eats and I trust them!

Sour cream or mayonnaise? There appears to be a conflict there also. Seems there are conflicts everywhere these days!

But green sauce it is, and in this case jalapenos are it!

This green sauce is not thick. It is a drizzling sauce that is perfect for dipping.

Peruvian Green Sauce Ingredients

Perfect over Peruvian chicken. Or plain old grilled chicken. Dip taquitos in it. Perfect for nachos. Or dipping veggies. Drizzled on rice. Spread on a sandwich. Or just on a spoon.

Peruvian green sauce is perfect on fish, eggs,  and any grilled meat. Spoon it on tacos or quesadillas, and even hotdogs.

Peruvian green sauce should be proud of its name. It is a good name. Just like it is a good sauce.

This is not a bright green sauce. Maybe a more timid green, but it is a happy green none the less.

 

Peruvian Green Sauce

 

Deciding to make Peruvian chicken, was a no brainer because, it really does go perfect with this aji verde sauce.

And the Peruvian chicken? Well, it was divine. Rubbing it with a hearty spice mixture and then slowly grilling it with a touch of smoke just made for the best chicken.

Not sure if it is an authentic Peruvian recipe, but it was delish! 

We found that there was just the right amount of spice in this. Not to spicy, but just enough.

 

Peruvian Green Sauce

 

However, the heat of the sauce is determined by how many seeds you leave in the jalapenos. Deseeding the jalapenos cuts down on the heat.

Don't get this sauce confused with a Mexican green sauce, which contains tomatillos. 

Peruvian Green Sauce is one of the most popular recipes on my blog. My friend Holly, from A Baker's House, made  this video so you can see how simple this sauce is too make!

Don't believe me? Well, check it out below!  And yes...I think it's quicker to make this than it is to read this post!

 

Below is the original post from 2014.

The last week has been a blur.  It took awhile to get things back to "normal" after coming home to paint dust and splatter. I cleaned each and every cabinet out and was happy with my work.

Yes, I still have the refrigerator to do, but cabinets that haven't been cleaned inside in years, are finally clean again. No sooner had I finished, than Manservant came up the steps, announcing that Alex was coming home tomorrow.

Which meant cleaning the rest of the house... Not that Alex would care, but it needed to get done. After all, Alex needs clean spaces to dump all his stuff!

Alex has a way of making each room know he's home. The laundry room held his clothes. The kitchen  his jacket and computer. Then the den held his computer. Then Zoe's room held him.

He is still mattress-less in his room, because that is with him in Vail, until he brings it back. Of course the bathroom did double duty and held his clothes, clean and dirty. Things sure have a way of filling up when he is around.

Finally he has a date for heading to China. All I can say is "Get ready China, because here he comes!" July 8th will find me shedding tears.

 

Peruvian Green Sauce

So, after hopefully taking the beginning sommelier course in May (which he is wait listed for), he will finally be taking his show on the road; whatever that show may be.

He plans to study more and hopefully find some  work in the wine business in Shanghai. I know he'll be working hard to get ready to go, after spending time in Moab, with a week of rafting and skiing. Right, honey?

So with Alex around we had an exciting Friday night. We started at The Source- a somewhat new happening spot in Denver. We went early, which was a good thing, and managed to partake of the weekly drink at The Proper Pour- a perfectly curated boutique wine/liquor shop that is there. They were mixing Negronis, and not having had one before, I didn't want to miss out.

Peruvian Green Sauce

Manservant had a Negroni made with tequila and it was quite drinkable, I must say. (Manservant loved their tequila selection.) I had the classic and enjoyed that, too. If you are in Denver, it is a great store. We bought some tequila and the makings for our own. Negronis.

From there we walked next door to the Belgian brewery that specialized in sour beers. I thought Alex might lose it when I asked why they were called sour beers. Well, I just wanted the scoop. And no, they weren't all that sour.

So it wasn't a dumb question, and someone once told me there are no dumb questions. We had a good sampling and then it was over to La Comida for tacos and Margaritas. Yes'm, they are good. And they also have gorditas and quesadillas. And brunch... but we didn't stay THAT long.

It is kind of embarrassing to say, but we still needed dessert. Voodoo doughnuts arrived from Portland awhile ago, and I have always wanted to see what the fuss was about. After circling like hawks to find a parking spot, Manservant dropped us off.

 

Voodoo Donuts

It was only 7:30 and there was already a line. I gave strict instructions to Manservant to find a legal parking spot, because on this part of Colfax, the tow trucks are like vultures. Welcome to Denver. Yes it is kind of sickening and over the top, but towers prey on cars and you.

Well, there was definitely voodoo in the air because after we snagged the doughnuts and Manservant was leading us back to the car, he spots a tow truck. And yes, the tow truck was towing the truck that was hiding our car.

Two helpless sobbing girls didn't stop the vultures from preying. I felt Manservant's heart skip a beat as he got into our car and drove us away. OK, he says, there weren't any signs at that exact space. Ah, but there were "no parking signs" in the lot, I said. Not the best listener, my Manservant.

The doughnuts? Yes, they were divine. With plenty of flavors to try, we left some to sample for the next time we go back! The guy at the checkout counter explained all the varieties to us, before he tells us about the Arnold Palmer. Some kind of lemon and tea thing.

Sure enough, that is what Manservant wants and then he assures us that this is what all the dads order. He threw in an extra mango filled doughnut that was great, but I preferred the cruller with chocolate, peanut butter and bananas. Next time more chocolate!

And I love anything in this cute pink box!

But now on to Peruvian green sauce!

 

Need A Few More?

Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potato Chips (Semi Homemade)

buttery garlic parmesan potato chips

Tomatillo Salsa

Tomatillo Salsa

Mexican Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Marinated Grilled Pork Mexican Style

I'd love it if you Follow Me on Pinterest and Pin and Share this Peruvian Green Sauce!

 

Peruvian Green Sauce Pin

 

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Recipe

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Peruvian Green Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Yield: about 1 cup 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Food Processor
  • Cuisine: Peruvian
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Description

Peruvian Green Sauce is a jalapeno, cilantro, garlic lover's delight! I really must say that this is WAY BETTER than ketchup! I eat it on everything!

Ingredients

Scale

3 whole jalapeño chiles, (If you want a spicier sauce leave the seeds in!)

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

2 medium cloves garlic

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

2 teaspoons fresh juice from 1 lime

1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil


Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, except for the olive oil.

Blend, while pulsing and scraping down sides of bowl, until fully processed.

With machine going, drizzle in olive oil to form an emulsion similar to mayonnaise. This will thicken upon being refrigerated, but is still not as thick as mayonnaise.

This should become a staple in your kitchen. It is THAT good!


Notes

Thanks Serious Eats!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @this_is_how_i_cook on Instagram and hashtag it #thisishowicook

 


Share this recipe!

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    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Rock'n Robin says

    June 13, 2024 at 4:34 pm

    Just made this & it's half gone. We're usually vegan but a guest left her mayo. Didn't have sour cream so made some "cashew sour cream". Turned out fantastic. This is my first time on your site. Found you on Pinterest. I'm looking forward to trying more of your recipes. Thanks so much! YUM!!! It's a keeper 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe says

      June 14, 2024 at 10:27 am

      Thanks so much for the nice comment Robin. So glad you came up with a creative way to make it! You reminded me that I should make another batch soon!

      Reply
  2. Karen says

    September 19, 2023 at 5:13 pm

    I just made it, it came out delicious, I put it on top of taco carnitas. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Abbe says

      September 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm

      I have some in the fridge right now. So glad you like it. We use it on anything we can!

      Reply
  3. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    January 17, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    I don't think it matters what it is called, it not only sounds delicious, its color is gorgeous.

    Reply
  4. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    January 14, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    I love the flavors and color of this green sauce! It has a great balance of flavors and would be so good on vegetables, chicken, fish, salads, and more!

    Reply
  5. 2pots2cook says

    January 14, 2021 at 6:42 am

    Peruvian cuisine is one of the best ! Everything so amazing ...... I guess that's why Peruvians have smile on their faces all the time 🙂 Thank you Abbe !

    Reply
  6. Pam says

    January 13, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    This looks great, love the color of it. I'm not a fan of cilantro at all, maybe substitute parsley? One of our sons was in Portland right before the pandemic and brought back Voodoo's. OMG! Good thing I don't live there! No doughnuts like that here in this neck of the woods. Sounds like you have a busy house! Take care

    Reply
  7. Healthy World Cuisine says

    January 08, 2021 at 11:01 am

    We would want to slather this green sauce on everything too! Spicy, savory, sour and sublime! Yum. Might have to try this on grilled fish! Wishing you a super weekend ahead. Take Care

    Reply
  8. Jeff the Chef says

    January 08, 2021 at 10:30 am

    I for one am not going to fret over your choice of pepper. Indeed, if it were me, I'd use a red bell pepper, and then call the resultant pink sauce "green." Let's see how the haters like that!

    Reply
  9. Merryn says

    April 28, 2019 at 10:00 pm

    This is a seriously good sauce. I just happen to have cilantro and jalapenos growing so this will be delightful to whizz together. Such a wonderful idea, thank you.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      April 29, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Enjoy Merryn. Those are great things to have in the garden! Salsa is like ketchup around here!

      Reply
  10. Ginger Juice says

    February 16, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    I read this post a few days ago, bookmarked this page for the recipe and finally made it last night. All I can say is it is absolutely amazing.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      February 16, 2018 at 9:25 pm

      Hey Ginger Juice! You made my day! Thanks so much. It does really rock!

      Reply
  11. Two Healthy Kitchens says

    January 10, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    I've had such a lovely time this morning, catching up on your blog - and I stumbled across this gem, along with so many of your newer recipes. Oh, Abbe - yum! I went to Peru about 15 years ago, before the twins were born, as part of a faculty trip for the private school I worked for at that time. The food (which now is starting to be a bit of an international culinary superstar) is truly interesting and so delicious! This take on green sauce is such a great one to try - super easy, and full of great flavors! Thanks for sharing this! 😀 ~Shelley

    Reply
  12. fromthebartolinikitchens.com says

    May 05, 2014 at 5:58 am

    Voodoo donuts is one place I hope doesn't cross the Mississippi. They sound all too good and I don't need to become a regular at a donut shop. Nice that you all spent such a great evening together and I hope Alex can join you for the class. This green sauce does sound good, Abbe, even if I have to ditch the cilantro. 😉

    Reply
  13. Cathleen says

    May 05, 2014 at 3:24 am

    I am drooling over those doughnuts!!

    Reply
  14. Carol at Wild Goose Tea says

    May 04, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    First off, I had Voodoo doughnuts when I was in Portland in November. They are awesome. I had no idea they had franchized. As the French say, it's all in the sauce. So having one more original sauce in your back pocket---well actually that would be pretty messy----I can't help it, I am actually chuckling at that---is a plus. I can't get over the color. Gorgeous.

    Reply
  15. Ansh says

    May 04, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    When you spoke about Alex, I thought that If I were to write about my daughter it would be the same. She also has a way of letting the whole house know that she is back. Every inch of space knows her by the belongings she leaves behind.
    But then I also know that I will miss it when she leaves home.

    We have something similar to this peruvian sauce in Indian cuisine. This looks rich and creamy. I would use it on everything too.

    Reply
  16. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    May 04, 2014 at 11:34 am

    That's quite the Denver outing. Lots of places I'd love to go. Where are you taking the Sommelier class? The Peruvian sauce sounds fabulous ... what do you do with it?

    Reply
  17. Liz Berg says

    May 03, 2014 at 8:01 pm

    I feel the same way when Nick returns home...shoes to trip over, double the laundry!
    Your Peruvian green sauce sounds amazing...I'm going to wait on your next post then give it a try.

    Reply
  18. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    May 03, 2014 at 10:59 am

    I've seen Vodoo Doughnuts on TV before and have been intrigued by all their interesting flavors and combinations. Your sauce looks delicious - so vibrant and green!

    Reply
  19. Sharon D says

    May 03, 2014 at 5:46 am

    Ooo....the green sauce looks really good. The doughnuts look equally amazing. I've never seen such good-looking doughnuts. Not where I live!

    I'm looking forward to reading your next post, on the chicken. It sounds really yummy!

    Reply
  20. Shirley Tay says

    May 03, 2014 at 5:35 am

    Voodoo doughnuts? That's such an interesting name! What a way to go "green", Abbe! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  21. Laura Dembowski says

    May 02, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    I'm sure your son will have a wonderful time in China. I have always wanted to try Voodoo doughnuts. Will you send me some please 😀

    Reply
  22. Nazneen Hamilton says

    May 02, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    I've been wanting to go The Source, just haven't made it there yet. As for Voodoo, I didn't like them. Just seems like donuts with a bunch of cereal on tops even the kids weren't thrilled by them and we ended up pitching some of them. So yeah, I won't be waiting in line for any.
    Well, after Alex leaves you are more than welcome to chill with me and take your mind off things 🙂
    This Peruvian sauce looks marvellous. We have something similar in Indian cooking but we don't use mayo or sour cream, just some yoghurt. It is divine 🙂

    Reply
  23. Karen Harris says

    May 02, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    We have been spring cleaning non-stop around here in preparation for putting the house on the market. I can only say I wish we would have cleaned and cleared so well much earlier so we could have enjoyed it much longer. What a nice night with your guys! Sounds perfect to me. I haven't been to Voodoo Donuts either but now you have me curious. I will however love to make this sauce very soon.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      May 02, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      I don't deal well with clutter and stuff. My brain goes crazy if the house seems overwhelming. Weird, I know! Let me know if you find something close to here. Our neighbors house just went up for sale. I love exploring and finding new places, Karen!

      Reply
  24. Kitchen Riffs says

    May 02, 2014 at 4:11 am

    Glad you had a nice visit with Alex! Sounds like a terrific time. Voodoo sounds like a great place. And that green sauce sounds simply wonderful. Good dish, fun post -- thanks.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      May 02, 2014 at 3:02 pm

      Voodoo is an entity unto itself. Quite a unique place in a very interesting area. Perfect for people watching! Thanks, John!

      Reply
  25. Angie Schneider says

    May 02, 2014 at 3:49 am

    Love cilantro! The sauce sounds and looks great, Abbe. I would love a bite of those awesome donuts too. They look too good!
    Have fun in China, Alex.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      May 02, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      Thanks, Angie. I must say that this sauce will become a regular in my kitchen. The perfect cilantro/spicy touch. Not too heavy and just the right amount of something extra AND it is way better than ketchup!

      Reply
  26. Barb | Creative Culinary says

    May 02, 2014 at 12:43 am

    My daughter leaves tomorrow for Vegas; I say we need to make a trip to Voodoo when your son leaves and either cry us a river or at the very least have a half dozen donuts. You in?

    I have some Orgeat syrup; now trying to remember what I used it for; maybe your discovery will remind me?

    Clean house feels good huh? Can't wait to see what you end up doing with all this energy!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      May 02, 2014 at 2:59 pm

      We have to wait that long? Orgeat syrup is often used in Mai Tai's. This syrup is handmade and I could just drink it out of the bottle! But i don't plan on using it in a MaiTai! Energy for this weekend goes to yardwork. Zoe will be home for a few days in three weeks!

      Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

Welcome!

You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

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