"Aji de Gallina" is a popular and comforting Peruvian dish that translates to "hen chili" or "chicken chili" in English, although it's not a typical chili in the Tex-Mex sense. It's a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy stew made with shredded chicken in a vibrant yellow sauce.
Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
The Sauce:
* Color and Flavor: The distinct yellow color and signature flavor come primarily from ají amarillo peppers. These Peruvian yellow chili peppers have a fruity and …

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"Aji de Gallina" is a popular and comforting Peruvian dish that translates to "hen chili" or "chicken chili" in English, although it's not a typical chili in the Tex-Mex sense. It's a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy stew made with shredded chicken in a vibrant yellow sauce.
Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
The Sauce:
* Color and Flavor: The distinct yellow color and signature flavor come primarily from ají amarillo peppers. These Peruvian yellow chili peppers have a fruity and mildly spicy taste that is essential to the dish.
* Creaminess and Texture: The sauce is characteristically creamy and thickened with bread soaked in milk or evaporated milk. Some recipes also include ground walnuts or pecans and grated cheese (often queso fresco or Parmesan) to further enhance the richness and texture.
* Aromatics: The base of the sauce typically involves a sofrito of sautéed red onions and garlic, which adds depth of flavor. Other spices like turmeric, cumin, and oregano are also commonly used.
The Chicken:
* Traditionally, a whole chicken is poached in a flavorful broth, then shredded and incorporated into the sauce. Some modern variations might use chicken breasts or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Serving:
* Potatoes and Rice: Aji de Gallina is typically served over slices of boiled potatoes and a side of white rice.
* Garnish: Common garnishes include hard-boiled egg slices and black olives, which add visual appeal and a contrasting flavor. Fresh parsley is often sprinkled on top as well.
Taste and Texture:
* The dish offers a unique balance of flavors: the mild heat and fruity notes of the ají amarillo, the richness from the nuts, cheese, and milk-soaked bread, and the savory chicken and aromatics. The texture is creamy and somewhat thick, coating the shredded chicken and the potatoes beautifully.
Origins and Variations:
* Some believe that Aji de Gallina evolved from Spanish dishes brought to Peru, which were then adapted using local ingredients like the ají amarillo pepper.
* Variations exist, with some recipes including aji panca (another Peruvian chili pepper for added depth), different types of nuts or cheese, or slight adjustments to the spices.
Overall, Aji de Gallina is a flavorful and satisfying Peruvian comfort food that is well-loved for its unique creamy, slightly spicy, and nutty sauce combined with tender shredded chicken and simple accompaniments.

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