Ají panca / Sundried red hot chili pepper is the second most common Aji variety in Peru and is grown mainly near the coast. This variety measures 3 to 5 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches across. Ají Panca (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) or Aji Colorado or Ancho Chile is a big, deep red purplish to red burgundy when ripe, which is typically sun-dried and pureed before using. It's tasteful yet not very spicy, and thus used across a wide variety of dishes. Served as a condiment, either whole or ground as a paste. It does not have a harsh taste and is a very commonly used condiment in Peruvian cooking. It is also known as Ají Especial. 


To obtain a paste: Handle with kitchen gloves. Cut the sun dried aji lengthwise, remove stem section, thin membrane and seeds. Wash under running water; rub insides one against the other. Soak in water for 3 hours and boil. Change twice water while boiling. Blend with enough oil to obtain a paste.

You may order it on-line already in a paste from:

You may order on-line from Angelina's Gourmet products. These whole sun dried chilies are superb. They come unlabeled in a sealed thick plastic bag. They are fresh, pliable and perfectly dried with an outstanding flavor. Great quality and very low price.