SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow chile pepper,” is grown in Peru and is native to South America. Long considered a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, this moderate-heat pepper with fruity notes reminiscent of passionfruit and mango is going to spice things up in kitchens worldwide in the year ahead.
That’s according to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 25th edition, a well-researched annual report exploring the culinary trends shaping the future of flavor in homes, restaurants and grocery stores.
“Our Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, lends itself to amplifying both sweet and tangy flavors and adds dimension to smoked or charred items,” says Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef and senior manager, Culinary Development, U.S. Consumer at McCormick. “The Aji Amarillo Seasoning is a delicious, sweet and spicy blend that enhances any dish including seafood, poultry, sauces, salsas and more.”
With foodies today increasingly craving flavors that offer both sweet and spicy elements—nearly one-tenth of U.S. restaurants have “sweet and spicy” menu items, according to Datassential—the predicted popularity of Aji Amarillo aligns perfectly with the “swicy” trend. To bring this delicious complexity into your own kitchen, try this recipe for Queso Fundido from McCormick—a rich, molten blend of melty cheese, it’s the perfect match for the tropical flavors, smoke, and moderate heat of Aji Amarillo Seasoning:
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons McCormick Aji Amarillo Seasoning, divided
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Mexican chorizo
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese, divided
• 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in medium cast-iron skillet on medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook and stir until deep golden brown and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet; mix with 3 teaspoons of the Aji Amarillo Seasoning.
2. Place 1 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese and 1/2 cup Cotija cheese in skillet. Layer with the onion mixture and cooked chorizo, top with remaining cheese.
3. Bake until the cheese is bubbling, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon Aji Amarillo seasoning. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
“Americans are adventurous eaters and that’s reflected in our Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, a true embodiment of flavors that pack a punch,” says Cohen Aviram.
