This encurtido Colombiano is the go-to salsa for many Colombian dishes. It goes by many names depending on the region of the country you're in. Some call it encurtido, some call it aji picante, others simply call it ají and they're all referring to this delicious and fresh condiment.
My Colombian mom has been making this aji picante for as long as I’ve been alive. This encurtido is a must-have condiment when she makes her homemade Colombian empanadas or her homemade sancocho. This family recipe has been passed down to me and it adds a bright and slightly spicy bite to any dish.
Why you'll love this encurtido Colombiano?
- Can be easily customized.
- Can be made upto a week ahead of time.
- Great with empanadas, sancocho or even some rice.
- Use it to level up your chips and salsa.
Encurtido Ingredients
- Green onions
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Mild hot sauce
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lime Juice
- White Vinegar
- Jalapeno (optional)
How to make aji picante
- Chop your tomatoes, green onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapeño.
- Place the chopped tomatoes, green onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapeño in a medium sized bowl.
- Add to the bowl the lime juice, vinegar, salt, pepper and hot sauce.
- Stir to combine and serve.
Variations and substitutions for this Colombian hot sauce
Want your salsa to be extra spicy? Add in extra jalapeños and/or extra spicy hot sauce. You can also use other peppers like habanero, scotch bonnet or cayenne.
Prefer a smoother texture for your encurtido? Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
Don't want your Colombian encurtido to be spicy at all? Simply omit the jalapeño and hot sauce.
Don't want to use olive oil? You can also use vegetable oil or corn oil.
Want an extra chunky sauce? This sauce can be as chunky as you like it, intstead of mincing or finely dicing the vegetables feel free to give them a loose chop.
How to Store Aji Colombiano
This salsa Colombiana will keep in the refrigerator in an air tight container for upto 10 days.
Aji Picante (Encurtido)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Cilantro finely chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes chopped
- 5 green onions chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon of white sugar
- 1/1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
Instructions
- Chop your tomatoes, green onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapeño.
- Place the chopped tomatoes, green onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapeño in a medium sized bowl.
- Add to the bowl the lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and hot sauce.
- Stir to combine and serve.
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