Hot Aji Salsa

Description

Hot Aji Salsa

spicy, traditional Chile salsa

Ingredients

• 3 chilies or diced chilies, stems removed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ – ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup roasted peanuts
• 8 saltine crackers, crushed
• ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese or muenster cheese
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lemon, juice of
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Sauté the chiles, onion and garlic in a tablespoon of the oil until soft.
2. Place in a blender or food processor along with the peanuts, crackers, cheese, milk and cilantro and puree until smooth.
3. Add the lemon juice and, with the machine running, add the oil a little at a time until the sauce is the desired consistency.
4. Heat before serving, and store any extra in the refrigerator.
5. Note: Using saltine crackers to thicken a sauce is unusual but not uncommon in Peru.