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Spicy Colombian Hot Sauce (Aji Picante) served in a bowl with a spoon
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Aji Picante (Colombian Hot Sauce)

Aji picante is Colombia's favorite table hot sauce, a fresh, tangy mix of habaneros, scallions, onion, cilantro, vinegar, and lime. Ready in minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Resting Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Colombian
Keyword: aji colombiano, aji picante, Colombian hot sauce
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

  • 1-2 habanero peppers seeded and minced; or 3-4 serranos for milder
  • 4 scallions finely chopped
  • 1/4 small white onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for body

Instructions

  • Finely chop the habaneros, scallions, onion, and cilantro.
  • Add everything to a bowl with the vinegar, water, lime juice, salt, sugar, and olive oil, if using. Stir well.
  • Let sit 30 minutes before serving. Keeps about 1 week in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Heat: For medium heat, use 3 to 4 jalapenos in place of the habaneros. For extra hot, leave the habanero seeds/ribs in.
  • Olive Oil: Optional, but it gives the sauce a nicer mouthfeel.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 2345mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1114IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg