Heart-Healthy Aja Verde
Discover the vibrant and nourishing flavors of Heart-Healthy Aja Verde, a guilt-free spin on the classic green sauce. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh cilantro, parsley, baby spinach, and heart-smart raw almonds and walnuts, this zesty recipe is a powerhouse of antioxidants and healthy fats. Enhanced with a hint of lime zest, apple cider vinegar, and the fiery kick of green chili, this creamy sauce is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire. Perfect as a topping for grilled veggies, fish, or chicken, or simply enjoyed as a wholesome dip, Aja Verde is ready in just 15 minutes and is sure to become your go-to condiment for health-conscious meals. With its bold flavor and smooth texture, it's a delicious way to support your heart health while elevating your dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup Baby spinach
- 0.25 cup Raw almonds
- 0.25 cup Raw walnuts
- 0.3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 Green chili, seeded and chopped
- 1 Lime, juice and zest
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Begin by soaking the raw almonds and walnuts in warm water for about 10 minutes. This helps to soften them for easier blending and enhances nutrient absorption.
After soaking, drain the nuts and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
Add the cilantro, parsley, baby spinach, and garlic cloves to the blender.
Add the chopped green chili (adjust amount based on desired spice level), lime juice and zest, and apple cider vinegar.
Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and add the salt and black pepper.
Blend the mixture on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.
Pause the blender, scrape down the sides if necessary, and add water to help achieve a thinner consistency if desired. Blend again for a smoother finish.
Taste the Aja Verde and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as necessary.
Once blended to your liking, transfer the Aja Verde to a glass jar or airtight container.
This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve as a topping for grilled veggies, fish, chicken, or as a delicious, heart-healthy dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 108.5 g | 139% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1323 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.9 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.9 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.4 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 572 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2297 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
