Salsa Criolla probably is the most important and most popular side dish in Peru. Prepared with red onions, aji amarillo, the juice of Peruvian limes and some freshly chopped coriander or parsley, Salsa Criolla accompanies numerous typical local dishes and just has to be on the table when enjoying a great Peruvian meal.

Peru’s popular onion-chili slasa is quick and easy to prepare at home. But as it gets its authentic flavor at least partly from the aji amarillo, you should really use this kind of chili and don’t substitute it. You can find aji amarillo sometimes fresh and always in glasses or frozen at many Latin American Food Stores, even online.