Aji Pique (Colombian Hot Sauce)

Aji pique (pronounced ahee-pee-keh) is a type of Colombian hot sauce. It is commonly served with empanadas, but it can be paired with any meal for an added layer of flavor. The heat comes from the hot pepper, but the cilantro gives this sauce a fresh touch. The spice level can also be adjusted by adding more or less hot pepper.

Typically this sauce is placed next to the salt and pepper shakers, always available in the middle of the table. Colombian food is not typically spicy, but as a hot sauce lover, I’m sure to always have aji pique close by.

Aji pique can be made multiple ways, but I like to include cilantro, jalapeno, green onion, red onion, vinegar, tomato, lime juice, salt, water, and garlic.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of loosely packed cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup of roughly chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped jalapeno (remove seeds)
• 1/3 cup of roughly chopped tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic 
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions:

• Roughly chop the jalapeno (remove seeds), tomato, and green onion to measure out all of your ingredients. They will be added to a food processor, so no need to have a perfect chop.
• Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and combine.
• Taste test and add more salt if needed.
• If you would like the spice flavor hotter, simply add in another jalapeno.
• Place in a container in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors combine.
• Enjoy this fresh, homemade hot sauce with empanadas or to top off any meal!