You're the Boss, Applesauce

Peruvian Delight

Yesterday I met up with a wonderful delight of a person, Ariana, whom I met & befriended while I was in Portugal a little over a year ago. Enticed to try something different, we googled Peruvian food in the Orange County area & discovered the Inka Grill (Located on S. Bristol in Costa Mesa). IT.WAS.DELICIOUS. I highly recommend making a stop at your nearest Peruvian diner or googling this incredible find ( http://inkagrillrotisseriechicken.com/  ). Not only are the dishes filled with all sorts of different spices & tastes… they have this token Green Sauce - Salsa Verde which Ariana & I just COULD NOT stop eating. I hopped right to finding a recipe & wanted to share: 

Salsa Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)

This vibrant green cilantro-based sauce is simple to make and pairs well with rice, fish, chicken and other meats. It can also be used as a flavor boost for soups and sauces.

Makes about 3/4 cup

Prep time
5 - 10 minutes

Equipment
mini food processor, food processor, or blender. In the countryside of Peru, it is made in a mortar and pestle.

Ingredients
1 large bunch fresh cilantro, leaves and stems (approx. 1 -1 1/2 cups packed)
6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (approximately 2 medium limes)
1 large or 2 small cloves of garlic
1 hot pepper (or more to taste) , seeds and stem removed. Jalapeños work fine.
black pepper to taste (I use 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper)
salt to taste (I prefer Kosher salt and use 1/2 teaspoon)

Directions
1. Wash and coarsely chop the cilantro leaves and stems.
2. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor or blender a few seconds until smooth. Do not over-process.
3. Taste the sauce and add hot peppers, black pepper or salt as needed.

The sauce tastes best when fresh, but can be stored for up to two weeks refrigerated in a covered container. If freezing the sauce, do not heat to thaw.