Aji picante is a classic condiment that can be found on every Colombian table. It consists of finely chopped cilantro, green onions, tomatoes, and chilies. All of which is thinned out and mixed with a combination of vinegar, lime juice, and water. This simple combination of ingredients results in a refreshing and tangy taste that can be added to just about anything.
Tips, Tricks & Suggestions
- ¿Picante?: If you have any familiarity with the Spanish language then you know that the word picante translates as spicy. However, when it comes to today’s sauce the picante can be a bit misleading. You see I’ve been to Colombia a couple of times and to many different cities/regions (Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Pereira). And at no point did any of the aji taste overtly spicy. I’m not saying it isn’t spicy in some regions, who knows it might. But in my experience, it’s more of a refreshing and tangy flavor and not “spicy” like you’d get from a Mexican salsa. That’s why I have opted to use a jalapeño for today’s recipe as I find its spicy level to be just about right. And yes I know jalapeños aren’t commonly found in Colombia, but it’s the best we can do with the ingredients available here in North America.
- Adjusting the heat: Despite what I just said if you want some heat then you can easily adjust the spiciness of this sauce by swapping out the jalapeño. The two best options would be a serrano pepper, or for a real kick a habanero. Just keep in mind that since these are smaller peppers compared to a jalapeño you should increase the amount to 2.
- Make it ahead of time: As with most sauces or condiments, I recommend that you prepare this sauce 1 day ahead. It will really give all of the ingredients enough time to mingle and mellow out resulting in a much better flavor.
- Storage: I like to store aji picante in a glass container with a tight fitting lid like a mason jar. Then you just have to keep it somewhere cool like in your fridge. And It will be best within the first 3 days but should last at least 1 week.
- Best ways to use your aji: Aji picante is great with just about every type of Colombian dish. You most often see it served as a sauce for Colombian style empanadas. Or added to the many different types of Colombian soups. But really you can use it to add flavor to pretty much anything. It’s that good!
Other Colombian Recipes to Check out
- Arepas (Colombian flatbread)
- Bandeja Paisa
- Colombian Empanadas
- Huevos Pericos (Colombian scrambled eggs)
- Limonada de Coco
Aji Picante (Colombian Salsa) Recipe
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 Cups
Ingredients
½ Cup of finely chopped green onion
½ Cup of finely chopped cilantro
¼ Cup of finely chopped tomatoes, seeds & membrane
1 Jalapeno, deseeded minced
1 Teaspoon of salt, or more to taste
¼ Cup of white vinegar
¼ Cup of water
1 Tablespoon of lime juice
1 Teaspoon of neutral flavored oil
Instructions
- Finely chop all of the herbs and vegetables.
- Mix & adjust: Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Then use a spoon to stir and mix all of the ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
Let this rest for 5 to 10 minutes then taste the aji. Add more salt if you feel it needs it, more vinegar if you prefer it to be tangier, or more water if you want it to be more refreshing.
- Store the aji picante in a jar and use it when needed. Enjoy!
Aji Picante (Colombian Salsa) Recipe
Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients
- ½ Cup of finely chopped green onion
- ½ Cup of finely chopped cilantro
- ¼ Cup of finely chopped tomatoes seeds & membrane
- 1 Jalapeno deseeded minced
- 1 Teaspoon of salt or more to taste
- ¼ Cup of white vinegar
- ¼ Cup of water
- 1 Tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 Teaspoon of neutral flavored oil
Instructions
- Finely chop all of the herbs and vegetables.
- Mix & adjust: Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Then use a spoon to stir and mix all of the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Let this rest for 5 to 10 minutes then taste the aji. Add more salt if you feel it needs it, more vinegar if you prefer it to be tangier, or more water if you want it to be more refreshing.
- Store the aji picante in a jar and use it when needed. Enjoy!
