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Overhead view of homemade aji panca paste in a speckled cream bowl on a butcher-block counter. A spoon holding a dollop of the thick brick-red paste rests across the bowl, and a swipe of paste is spread on a gray plate beside it, next to a garlic clove.
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Aji Panca Paste

A mild Peruvian chili paste made from aji panca, with a sweet, berry-like flavor and a gentle smoky undertone.
Course Condiment, Paste
Cuisine Peruvian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 16 tablespoons
Calories 26kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound aji panca chilies
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Water

Instructions

  • Preheat a large pot of water, bringing it to a boil. Place a large bowl of ice cold water to the side (for blanching).
  • Remove the stems from the chilies, cut the peppers in half, then remove the seeds as well.
  • In a frying pan or skillet over high heat (no oil), toast the chili halves for approximately 3 minutes.
  • Remove the chilies from the pan and drop them in the boiling water. Allow the chilies to boil for 3 minutes.
  • Remove the chilies from the boiling water and place them immediately in the ice cold water. Let them sit until all heat is removed from the chilies (1 to 2 minutes).
  • Remove the chilies from the cold water and place them in a food processor with the vegetable oil. Process the aji until you reach your desired paste consistency.
  • Place the paste into a sealable jar and serve immediately or, for best flavor, cover the paste and let it refrigerate over night to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This recipe uses fresh aji panca. You can substitute in the easier-to-find dried version, but rehydrate the peppers prior to proceeding. Learn how to rehydrate chili peppers here.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.3mg