How to Prepare Spicy Ají Water- A Guide to Enhancing Your Hydration with a Tropical Twist

Cómo preparar el agua de ajó, or how to make ají water, is a traditional Peruvian recipe that has been passed down through generations. This refreshing and flavorful drink is perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing complement to any meal. Made with ají peppers, water, and a variety of spices, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.

The key to making the perfect agua de ajó lies in balancing the spiciness and flavor of the peppers with the sweetness of the other ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this iconic Peruvian beverage:

Ingredients:

– 1 large ají amarillo (yellow chili pepper)
– 1 large ají mirasol (red chili pepper)
– 1 large ají panca (green chili pepper)
– 1 liter of water
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of oregano
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by washing the chili peppers thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
2. In a blender, combine the three types of peppers, water, salt, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds and any remaining chunks of pepper. You can also use a cheesecloth or a nut milk bag for this step.
4. Pour the strained mixture into a pitcher or a large container. If desired, add ice cubes to chill the drink.
5. Taste the agua de ajó and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Some people prefer a sweeter flavor, while others may want to add more salt or chili peppers to increase the spiciness.
6. Serve the agua de ajó chilled, either on its own or as a refreshing beverage alongside your favorite Peruvian dishes.

Tips for perfecting your agua de ajó:

– Experiment with different types of chili peppers to find the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Some popular options include ají limo, ají rocoto, and ají charqui.
– If you prefer a less spicy version, feel free to use fewer peppers or choose milder varieties.
– Adjust the amount of salt, sugar, and spices according to your taste preferences.
– You can also add other ingredients like lemon or lime juice, mint leaves, or cucumber slices for extra flavor and aroma.

Now that you know how to prepare el agua de ajó, you can enjoy this delightful Peruvian drink any time you want. ¡Disfruta!