Ajo con Cilantro y Limón
A vibrant and zesty sauce or marinade, 'Ajo con Cilantro y Limón' (Garlic with Cilantro and Lime) is a staple in Cuban cuisine. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for marinating meats and seafood, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful dressing for salads. Its bright citrus notes and pungent garlic are balanced by the fresh herbaceousness of cilantro.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro(packed)
- 6 large Garlic cloves(peeled)
- 1/4 cup Lime juice(freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Combine fresh cilantro, peeled garlic cloves, fresh lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender.
- 2
Process until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. For a smoother consistency, you can add a tablespoon or two of water.
- 3
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference.
- 4
Transfer the sauce to a bowl or airtight container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic Cuban flavor, use sour oranges if available, substituting half of the lime juice with sour orange juice.
- ✓If you don't have a food processor, you can finely mince the garlic and cilantro by hand and whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
- ✓This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for added herbaceousness.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and avocado oil.