Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce, or “salsa verde,” is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that embodies the essence of Peruvian cuisine. This versatile sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or even marinating your favorite dishes. With its zesty kick from jalapeños and the fresh taste of cilantro, it elevates everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. In this article, we will explore the many facets of Peruvian Green Sauce, including its ingredients, preparation, and serving suggestions. Get ready to spice up your meals with this delicious sauce that’s sure to impress!

The Upside of Peruvian Green Sauce

One of the best things about Peruvian Green Sauce is its versatility. It can transform a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy potato wedges, a topping for grilled chicken, or a zesty marinade for your favorite proteins. The bold flavors not only enhance your meals but also add a touch of authenticity to your cooking. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. What more could you ask for in a sauce?

Ingredient Breakdown

To make this delicious Peruvian Green Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps blend the flavors together.
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion – Provides a mild sweetness and crunch.
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise – Use compliant mayo for Whole30; it gives the sauce a creamy texture.
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar – Adds acidity and brightness.
• 4 teaspoons yellow mustard – I recommend Guldens for a tangy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle heat.
• 3 jalapeños, roughly chopped and seeded but keeping the ribs – For a spicy kick (about 1 cup/3 oz).
• 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems – The star of the show, offering a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• 3 medium cloves garlic, crushed through a press – Provides a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Toolbox for This Recipe

To prepare your Peruvian Green Sauce, you’ll need a few key tools:

• Food processor or blender – Essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula – Handy for scraping down the sides of the food processor.
• Knife and cutting board – To chop your vegetables and herbs.

Peruvian Green Sauce: From Prep to Plate

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the preparation steps for your Peruvian Green Sauce.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Make sure to wash the cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt. Once everything is chopped, you’re ready to blend.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Food Processor

In your food processor, add the chopped red onion, jalapeños, olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and the crushed garlic cloves.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Secure the lid on your food processor and blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add the Cilantro

Now, add the chopped cilantro to the mixture. Pulse a few times until the cilantro is finely chopped and incorporated, but be careful not to over-blend; you want some texture in your sauce.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Once blended, taste your sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Transfer your Peruvian Green Sauce to a serving bowl, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. It’s best served fresh, but it will also keep well for a week.

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the beauties of this Peruvian Green Sauce is that you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Here’s a quick list of items you might not need to buy:

• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Vinegar

With a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up this delightful sauce without making an extra trip to the store!

What Not to Do

To ensure your Peruvian Green Sauce turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Don’t skip the cilantro; it’s essential for authentic flavor.
• Avoid over-blending the sauce; you want some texture from the cilantro and jalapeños.
• Don’t use regular mayonnaise if you’re looking for a lighter option; opt for a lighter version or a compliant alternative for Whole30.
• Be cautious with the jalapeños; if you prefer less heat, you can use fewer peppers or remove more seeds and ribs.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Your Peruvian Green Sauce can be stored properly for future use:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Freeze: This sauce can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: If using from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

Quick Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Is it spicy?

The sauce does have a kick due to the jalapeños, but you can adjust the heat level by using fewer peppers or by removing the seeds and ribs.

How can I make it vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise alternative. The flavor will remain delicious!

What’s the best way to serve Peruvian Green Sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a dip for fresh veggies, drizzle it over grilled meats, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.

Your Peruvian Green Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some tasty suggestions:

Bring It Home

Peruvian Green Sauce is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a burst of flavor and a touch of the exotic to your table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this sauce on a variety of dishes, making it a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, this sauce is sure to impress. So grab your food processor, gather your ingredients, and let’s get blending! You’ll be amazed at how this vibrant sauce can elevate your meals and bring a taste of Peru right into your home.