How to Use Ají Amarillo in New Zealand – The Soul of Peruvian Cuisine
- Latino Foods
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you're curious about Peruvian food or looking to spice up your meals with something new and delicious, there's one ingredient that stands out above the rest: Ají amarillo. This vibrant yellow chili pepper isn’t just iconic in Peru — it’s essential.
Luckily, you don’t have to fly to Lima to get it. At Latino Foods, you can find ají amarillo paste and other Peruvian ingredients, delivered anywhere in New Zealand.
🔥 What Is Ají Amarillo?
Ají amarillo means “yellow chili” in Spanish, but its name doesn’t capture its full personality. This chili is medium-spicy, with a fruity, slightly floral flavor that’s totally unique. It adds not just heat, but color and depth to everything from sauces to stews.
It’s considered the backbone of Peruvian cuisine, found in countless traditional recipes.
3 Delicious Ways to Use Ají Amarillo at Home
Whether you're an expert in Latin American cooking or just starting out, ají amarillo is surprisingly versatile. Here are a few classic (and easy) ways to use it:
🥔 1. Papas a la Huancaína
One of Peru’s most beloved starters! Boiled potatoes topped with a creamy, slightly spicy yellow sauce made from ají amarillo, cheese, milk, and crackers or bread. Serve with hard-boiled egg and lettuce.
➡️ Short on time? Use our ready-made Huancaína sauce or add a spoonful of ají amarillo paste to cream cheese or mayo for a fast version.
🍗 2. Ají de Gallina
Think of it as Peru’s version of shredded chicken curry — comforting and rich.
The sauce blends ají amarillo, garlic, onion, milk, cheese, and walnuts or bread to create a velvety texture. Serve it over rice with olives and egg.
➡️ You can also use the paste to add a Peruvian twist to shredded chicken wraps or creamy pasta sauces.
🥗 3. Causa Limeña
A cold, layered potato dish perfect for warmer days.
Mashed yellow potatoes are mixed with lime juice and ají amarillo paste, then layered with avocado, tuna, or chicken salad.
➡️ It’s great as a starter or light lunch and easy to customize with your favourite fillings.
Where to Buy Peruvian Ají Amarillo in New Zealand?
At Latino Foods, you'll find different types of ají amarillo — check them out!
We deliver anywhere in New Zealand from our dispatch point in Auckland. Or you can also visit one of our Distributors!
💡 Bonus Tip
Ají amarillo paste isn’t just for traditional recipes! Mix it with:
Mayo for a spicy sandwich spread
Sour cream for a dip
Yogurt and lemon juice for a salad dressing
Butter for spicy corn on the cob
🎯 Ready to Try It?
Explore our full selection of Peruvian products online at Latino Foods. Bringing Latin flavour to Kiwi homes — one spoonful of ají at a time.
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