Aji Panca: Peru’s Smoky Sweet Chili You Can Now Cook with in Estonia
- La Tienda
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Looking for new flavours to spice up your kitchen in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania? Aji Panca, one of Peru’s most essential ingredients, is finally here — and available in both paste and dried versions at La Tienda.
If you’ve been wondering what Aji Panca is, how to use it in cooking, or where to find it in the Baltics, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into this bold, smoky chili and see how you can use it to transform everyday meals.
🔎 What Is Aji Panca?
Aji Panca is a mild Peruvian chili pepper known for its deep red colour, slightly sweet taste, and smoky aroma. Unlike other chilies that deliver intense heat, Aji Panca brings complexity and depth — it’s perfect for marinades, stews, grilled meats and slow-cooked sauces.
It’s one of the backbones of Peruvian cuisine, commonly used in:
Anticuchos (grilled beef heart or skewers)
Seco de Carne (beef stew with coriander)
Adobos, stir-fries and rice dishes
Soups, salsas, and grilled meats
🛒 Aji Panca Products Available at La Tienda
We currently offer two authentic versions of Aji Panca:
Smooth and ready-to-use paste
Ideal for marinades, sauces and rubs
Mild heat with rich colour and smoky-sweet flavour
Vegetarian and easy to store
Made in Colombia using Peruvian-style chilies
Whole dried Peruvian chili peppers
Must be rehydrated before blending
Ideal for homemade sauces or long cooking times
Deeper, more concentrated flavour than paste
100% natural, no preservatives
How to Cook with Aji Panca Paste
The paste is perfect for anyone looking for bold flavour with minimal preparation.
Try this:
Mix 1 tsp of Aji Panca paste with olive oil, garlic, cumin, and vinegar to marinate beef or chicken
Stir into stews or soups during cooking
Use it in a sauce for grilled vegetables
Add to ketchup or mayonnaise for a smoky twist
🧠 Looking for a fast way to cook with Aji Panca in Estonia? This paste version is your go-to for convenience and flavour.
💧 How to Use Dried Aji Panca (Aji Seco)
Want to go the traditional route? The dried version gives you more control and deeper flavour.
How to use it:
Soak 2–3 dried chilies in hot water for 20–30 minutes
Remove stems and seeds
Blend with garlic, onion, oil, and a bit of vinegar to create a thick paste
Store the paste in a jar in the fridge for up to a week
Perfect for: Marinades, braises, adobos, and traditional Peruvian stews
Paste vs. Dried: Which One Is Right for You?
Feature | Aji Panca Paste | Dried Aji Panca |
Convenience | Ready to use | Needs soaking & blending |
Flavour depth | Mild and sweet | Deeper, more robust |
Best for | Quick recipes, marinades | Homemade pastes, stews |
Shelf life (opened) | Refrigerate after opening | Long-lasting when dry |
You don’t have to choose — many chefs use both! Keep the paste for weekday meals, and the dried for weekends when you want to cook from scratch.
💬 Common Questions
Where can I buy Aji Panca in Estonia?
Right here at La Tienda, both paste and dried versions are in stock.
Is Aji Panca very spicy?
No — it’s very mild. It adds flavour, not fire.
Can I use it in non-Peruvian dishes?
Absolutely! Aji Panca is amazing in BBQ sauces, tomato-based soups, lentil stews and more!
🌍 Discover Peruvian Flavour in the Baltics
Whether you’re Peruvian, Latin American or simply a curious foodie in Estonia, Aji Panca is a game-changer. It adds a layer of flavour and colour to your cooking — and now you can try it without leaving home.
Order your Aji Panca Paste or Dried Peppers today from La Tienda and explore a deeper side of Peruvian cuisine from your own Baltic kitchen.
Thanks for reading! Curious about other Latin flavours?Browse our growing collection of authentic products and bring new energy to your home cooking.
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