Ají (sauce) facts for kids

Salsa de ají verde (green ají sauce) in a market in Huaraz, Peru

Ají is a popular spicy sauce. It often contains tasty ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro (also known as coriander), special ají peppers, onions, and water. People enjoy ají for its exciting flavor and a bit of a kick!

What is Ají Sauce?

Ají sauce is a spicy condiment that adds a lot of flavor to food. The exact recipe for ají can be very different depending on who is making it and where they are from. Each family or region might have its own special way to prepare it.

Where Does Ají Come From?

Ají has a long history, especially in countries in the Andes Mountains region like Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. People have been making and enjoying ají since at least the time of the Incas. The Incas, who were an ancient civilization, called this spicy sauce uchu. This shows that ají has been an important part of food in these areas for hundreds of years!

How is Ají Used?

In many places, ají is used to add spice and flavor to almost any meal. For example, in Colombia and Ecuador, many traditional foods are not very spicy on their own. So, people often add a spoonful of ají to their dishes to make them more exciting.

You might find ají served with many different foods, such as:

• Anticuchos (grilled meat skewers)
• Chugchucaras (a traditional dish from Ecuador)
• Soups
• Chorizo (a type of sausage)
• Empanadas (savory pastries)

In Chile, there is a similar kind of spicy sauce called ají chileno. This version often includes an extra ingredient: fresh lemon juice, which gives it a bright, tangy flavor.

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See also

In Spanish: Ají (salsa) para niños