Skip to main content

Ecuadoran Chile Sauce

Ají ecuatorianoají ecuatoriano

Served on the table as an accompaniment to soups, this fresh sauce gets its tart, vibrant flavor from the tamarillo (tree tomato), native to South America. A small red tomato can be substituted.

Cooks' notes:

•Tamarillos are available at specialty produce markets.
•Sauce keeps, covered and chilled, 1 day.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    10 min

  • Yield

    Makes about 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 fresh tamarillo or small red tomato
1 fresh red serrano or other small (1- to 2-inch) red chile, coarsely chopped, including seeds if desired
1 large scallion (white and pale green parts only), coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon fresh lime juice, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Preparation

  1. Halve tamarillo lengthwise, then scoop seeds and flesh into a blender with a spoon, discarding shell; or coarsely chop tomato and transfer to blender. Add remaining ingredients and coarsely purée.

Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.