Crema de Rocoto: Spicy Rocoto Pepper Sauce

By Marian Blazes

Updated 07/07/19

Rocoto chile peppers

Dave King / Getty Images

  • Total: 10 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yield: 3/4 cups sauce (4 servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
200 Calories
21g Fat
4g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3/4 cups sauce (4 servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 200
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 26%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 266mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Protein 1g
Calcium 10mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Rocoto chile peppers (Capsicum pubescens) are one of the staple chiles used in Peruvian cuisine, along with aji amarillo, aji limo (often used in ceviche) and aji panca. Rocotos are quite spicy and resemble small bell peppers. Make sure not to mistake these for baby bell peppers — they can be a fiery surprise!

Rocoto peppers really shine in the salty, flavorful salsas that are almost always on restaurant tables or accompanying rotisserie chicken. This rocoto sauce is made with mayonnaise and lime and is delicious with chicken and potatoes, as well as on sandwiches. You can find jarred rocoto paste online or in Latin markets and groceries that sell Peruvian products.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons rocoto chile pepper paste
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Steps to Make It

  1. Whisk ingredients together in a bowl, starting with 2 tablespoons of the rocoto paste and adding more if needed, depending on the level of spiciness desired.

  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste (some jarred rocoto paste is already salted so be sure to taste first). Store in refrigerator until ready to use.