Where can I buy or order aji sauce like I had in Ecuador?

Question

They had it everywhere in Ecuador when I studied there and it is delicious. Does anyone know where I can find it here in the U.S.? Or can I order it on-line somewhere?

Answer 1

try online.  

http://santacruzfoods.com/spices_&_suce....

Answer 2

I couldn't find anywhere that sells it, but then I came across an article (see first link) and in it is says that Aji (ahi), is a delicious spicy sauce made with a special Peruvian herb called Huacatay (or Black Mint), which is a little hard to find unless there is a Latin market in your area.

Then the article also says that you can substitute cilantro, much easier to find.

The author doesn't really measure the ingredients, but does it by intuition!  Ingredients are listed, though, in order of most to least.  Being that you have had it before if this is the one you can hopefully tweak it to get it just right.

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AJI RECIPE:

lettuce (iceberg or romaine)

about a cup of cashews (to substitute for mayo)

green onions (3 or 4)

3 tbsps Huacatay paste, (or substitute a bunch of Cilantro) mint

lots of lime juice

garlic

jalapeno (1-3 depending on how spicy you like it)

olive oil or vegetable oil.

To prepare put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.

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But...as you said you had it in Ecuador I went hunting further and found this, and think THIS may be the one:

*AJI (ECUADOREAN HOT SAUCE) RECIPE

"There many ways to make Aji in Ecuador, but one thing is certain, there is always aji on the table. Cayenne or similar small red peppers are decent substitutes for the South American Aji peppers from which this delicious (hot) condiment gets its name."  (Chef's quotes.)

Makes 1 cup

* 4 hot red peppers (aji peppers or similar small hot peppers)

* 2 garlic cloves

* 1/2 cup water

* 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped

* 3 tablespoons scallions, chopped

* 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped

* 1 tablespoon fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

* 1 lemon, juice of

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* 1 tablespoon salt

1. Combine the water, peppers and garlic in the blender and  blend well.

2. Strain the liquid into a bowl and discard any solids.

3. Add the balance of the ingredients and mix well.

4. Store in the refrigerator.

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I really hope these help you out, enjoy!

Answer 3

I wasnt able to find Ecuadorian aji sauces, only Chilean and Peruvian.  But here are some recipes:

http://www.recipezaar.com/170433

http://laylita.com/recipes/2008/02/28/aj...