Aji verde - Peruvian green sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (coriander leaves (some thin stems also fine))
• 1 scallion (green onion - green part only)
• 1 clove garlic (small)
• 1/2 green chili (eg serrano)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60ml)
• 1/2 tbsp aji amarillo chili paste
• 1 tsp huacatay paste ((if available - omit if not))
• 1/2 lime juice (ie juice from 1/2 lime)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp queso fresco (or cotija, can use parmesan/mild feta as alternative)
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or use another mild oil)

Instructions

1. 1

   Remove cilantro leaves from the stems before measuring - some thinner stems are fine. Remove the white part from the scallion and any rough/dry end on the green part. Depending on your food processor/blender, I'd recommend roughly chopping the garlic, green chili and scallion stem before you make the sauce.

2. 2

   Place all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can use straight away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, or longer.