Épices de Cru Aji Amarillo

In a nutshell: This famous Peruvian chilli is used in Causa potato dishes, Huancaina sauce and can be added to stews, stir-fries and sauces.

Probably the most popular chilli in Peruvian cuisine, also called Mirasol in its dried form. Ajis are to Peru what chillies are to Mexico, and are used dry as often as fresh. “Aji Amarillo” can be literally translated as “yellow pepper.” After being dried, Aji Amarillo is cleaned of its seeds and placenta, leaving a only a mild heat and clean taste. It has an unusually fruity flavour that works in a multitude of dishes.

Aji Amarillo can be used whole in braised and simmered dishes, or crushed, or powdered and added to sautés and stir-fries. In Peru, Aji amarillo is widely used in Causa potato dishes, salsas and ceviches.

In Peruvian cuisine, it makes a paste that is as good in a marinade as it is in sauces. This paste also makes an easy salad dressing, dip, or sauce. Aji Amarillo also lends its distinctive flavour and colour to the famous Huancaina sauce.

Heat Rating 7/10

Details 40g

About Épices de Cru
Épices de Cru began in 1982 as a catering partnership between Philippe and Ethné de Vienne. Their mission was a kind of “cooking pot anthropology:” learning the secrets of family cooking around the world and applying these techniques to the needs of hungry Montrealers. The secret, they learned, was spices. Over the last two decades, Philippe and Ethné have searched for the world’s best spices, accompanied by their children, Marika and Arik. The de Viennes believe in direct sourcing spices: visiting growing regions, spending time with growers, and developing personal relationships that last decades. In 2004, they officially opened their first spice shop in Montreal’s fantastic Jean Talon market– it’s since become a mecca for foodies from all over the world. I first visited in 2008 and have been buying and using their spices on a regular basis ever since that first exciting visit. They steadfastly maintain that they do nothing original, only facilitating the exchange of culinary common sense from one place to another. But, what they do is simply quite brilliant - by providing us with the finest quality ingredients, and their superb spice mixes, we can all experiment with unusual spices and recreate delicious recipes from around the world.