Cooking with Aji Panca

AJI PANCA

Aji Panca is mild with a smokey, fruity taste and used more for flavor and color in foods. It is essential in Peruvian cuisine and used in marinades for beef, pork, and chicken. Helps to improve energy levels

Aji Panca Fries

Ingredients
2 Potatoes
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Aji Panca
1 tbsp garlic
1 tsp salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees celsius.
Peel potatoes and cut in 1/2 inch pieces or wedges of similar size.
Place in ice water to rinse and remove excess starch. Leave in ice water as you prepare the seasonings.
In a small bowl combine all spices and mix thoroughly.
Dry potatoes completely (I use a salad spinner).
Place potatoes in a large bowl.
Add olive oil to potatoes and coat evenly.
Add spice mixture to potatoes and mix thoroughly.
Place seasoned fries on parchment lined baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Turn fries over and continue to cook for an additional 10 - 15 minutes until crispy.
Remove from oven and sprinkle Fleur de Sel as a finishing salt and Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients
1 Heaping Tbsp olive oil
2 -3 sweet potatoes peeled and sliced evenly
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Aji Panca or spice of choice (cayenne works well for more kick)
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp Fleur de sel

Directions

In a large bowl add sliced sweet potatoes.
Rinse potatoes in cold water to remove starch and let stand in cold water for at least half hour.
Thoroughly dry potatoes .
In a large bowl, add sliced potatoes along with garlic powder and Aji Panca or spice of choice, if using.
Add pepper and olive oil and combine until coated.
Arrange potatoes on parchment lined cookie sheets and bake in preheated 450 degree oven for 15 minutes.
Turn potatoes over and cook for another 10 minutes.
Watch closely as sweet potatoes tend to burn easily.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with Fleur de Sel

USES FOR AJI PANCA

Aji Panca is mild with a smokey, fruity taste and used more for flavor and color in foods. It is essential in Peruvian cuisine and used in marinades for beef, pork, and chicken. Commonly a paste is made using the powder along with olive oil and vinegar. Also used in chili dishes.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Aji Panca contains high levels of capsaicin. A natural compound that has shown to help with weight management when eaten regularly. Capsaicin is know to increase energy levels and reduce appetite.

Sources: Wikipedia

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