Colombian Ají is a spicy traditional sauce. Every family and region has its own variation. This is my recipe for Ají Picante and it's a must to serve with Colombian Empanadas.
What is Colombian Ají picante or Ají Piqué?
Is a spicy sauce from my hometown Antioquia. We keep it in the refrigerator all year round. It is an absolute must for Colombian Empanadas and it is the perfect sauce to flavor soups, stews and the perfect dipping sauce for papas saladas and patacones.
Like many traditional Colombian recipes, there are many variations depending on the region and cook. This is my mom's ají recipe and the way my whole family makes it. I like my sauce with a lot of liquid, but you can adjust the amount if you prefer yours with more herbs.
Growing up in my house we used it in almost every dish my mom made and it is my dad’s favorite condiment. It’s easy to make and you can customize your ají picante as mild or as hot as you prefer. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Colombian Ají
Hot Pepper: Here in United States I use red habanero, but you can use your favorite hot pepper. In Colombia this sauce is made with ají pajarito a long hot red pepper.
Check the recipe card below for the complete recipe, instructions and step by step video.
More Colombian Sauces to Try:
Avocado Sauce (Salsa de Aguacate)
Avocado Hot sauce (Ají de Aguacate)
Colombian Ají Picante Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 seeded small hot pepper or 1 red habanero pepper
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- ½ cup chopped tomato
Instructions
- Put the vinegar and habanero pepper in a blender for 2 minutes.
- Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to mix. Add the vinegar and habanero mix to the bowl and mix well.
- Pour in a glass jar and cover. Refrigerate up to 5 days.
Cristina
Made this for my family Christmas Eve dinner ahead of time and it is excellent. Authentic Colombian flavors. Thank you for sharing. Love it.
Alan Bowman
Can this be frozen in small quantities, e.g. ice cube trays and saved for later?
Stephen Longley
Could someone explain the measurements as an English cup is 250mlsso is it different to what you are measuring, love your recipes just being English never know if measurements are American or English thanks
Danna
How will I make this to last for months? Canning will require for el aji to be cooked. Not sure about pickling... Do you have any suggestions Erica?