Piri-Piri Sauce

Authentic Piri-Piri Sauce Recipe from Portugal | Step-by-Step Guide

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Piri-Piri Sauce is a spicy and flavorful sauce that originated in Portugal and is commonly used in African and Portuguese cuisine. It is made with chili peppers, salt, olive oil, and vinegar, giving it a tangy and fiery kick that can elevate any dish.

History

Piri-Piri Sauce, also known as Peri-Peri Sauce, gets its name from the African bird's eye chili pepper, which is the main ingredient in the sauce. The sauce originated in Portugal but gained popularity in African countries such as Mozambique and Angola, where it is commonly used as a marinade for grilled meats.

Ingredients

2 to 6 chili peppers, depending on their spiciness
1 tsp kosher or coarse salt
1 cup olive oil
0.33 cup cider vinegar

How to prepare

Stem the peppers and coarsely chop them (including the seeds). Place them in a 1 pt (473 ml) shaker jar along with the salt, olive oil, and vinegar. Cover the jar tightly and shake well. Store the sauce at room temperature. It will keep well for about a month. Remember to shake the sauce every time you use it.
Note: For a milder flavor, roast the peppers uncovered for 15 minutes at a low oven heat of 300°F (149°C). Let them cool until they are easy to handle, then slip off the skins. Otherwise, prepare the peppers as directed.

Variations

You can customize Piri-Piri Sauce by adding herbs such as cilantro or parsley, or by incorporating other spices like cumin or paprika for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Piri-Piri Sauce, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers. Roasting the peppers before blending them can also enhance the flavor of the sauce. Remember to shake the sauce well before each use to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed.

Serving Suggestions

Piri-Piri Sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled meats, a dipping sauce for fries or chicken wings, or drizzled over roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

To make Piri-Piri Sauce, simply blend the chili peppers, salt, olive oil, and vinegar in a shaker jar until well combined. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. You can also use different types of chili peppers to vary the heat level of the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Piri-Piri Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to a month. Remember to shake the sauce well before each use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Piri-Piri Sauce in a small dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Piri-Piri Sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. It also complements rice dishes and sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Piri-Piri Sauce in a sealed container at room temperature. Shake well before each use. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Piri-Piri Sauce contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Piri-Piri Sauce contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Piri-Piri Sauce contains approximately 22 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Piri-Piri Sauce contains negligible amounts of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Piri-Piri Sauce is rich in Vitamin C due to the chili peppers used in the recipe. It also contains small amounts of Vitamin A and Iron.

Alergens

Piri-Piri Sauce is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, it contains chili peppers, which may cause allergies in some individuals.

Summary

Piri-Piri Sauce is a flavorful condiment that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a good source of Vitamin C and adds a spicy kick to your dishes.

Summary

Piri-Piri Sauce is a versatile and spicy condiment that adds flavor to a variety of dishes. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a must-have in any kitchen for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Piri-Piri Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in Portugal. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and chatting about our favorite dishes. Maria suddenly got up and rummaged through her old recipe box, pulling out a faded piece of paper.

"Ah, here it is!" she exclaimed, holding up the recipe for Piri-Piri Sauce. "This is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, my eyes lighting up with anticipation. I had heard of Piri-Piri Sauce before, a spicy and tangy condiment that was popular in Portuguese cuisine. I couldn't wait to learn how to make it from scratch.

Maria began to run me through the ingredients and steps, her hands moving deftly as she chopped and mixed. The key to a good Piri-Piri Sauce, she explained, was the quality of the peppers. They had to be fresh and ripe, with just the right amount of heat.

As we cooked, Maria shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Piri-Piri Sauce from her own grandmother. She recounted how they would spend hours in the kitchen together, laughing and bonding over their shared love for cooking. I could see the nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I felt honored to be learning this cherished recipe from her.

The sauce slowly simmered on the stove, the aroma of garlic and peppers filling the air. Maria handed me a spoon to taste, and my taste buds exploded with the fiery flavors of the Piri-Piri Sauce. It was a perfect balance of heat and tang, with a hint of smokiness that lingered on my tongue.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her family's secret with me, and she smiled warmly in response.

Over the years, I perfected the art of making Piri-Piri Sauce, tweaking the recipe to suit my own taste preferences. I experimented with different types of peppers, adjusting the spice level to suit my liking. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about the bold flavors of the sauce.

One day, I decided to enter a cooking competition in my hometown. The theme was "International Cuisine," and I knew that my Piri-Piri Sauce would be the perfect dish to showcase. I spent days preparing, sourcing the freshest ingredients and perfecting my cooking technique.

The day of the competition arrived, and I nervously presented my Piri-Piri Sauce to the judges. As they took their first bite, their eyes widened in delight. They praised the sauce for its complexity of flavors and authenticity to Portuguese cuisine.

To my surprise and joy, I was awarded first place in the competition. My heart swelled with pride as I accepted the trophy, knowing that I had honored Maria's legacy by sharing her beloved recipe with the world.

Years passed, and I continued to make Piri-Piri Sauce for special occasions and gatherings. It became a symbol of my passion for cooking and my dedication to preserving traditional recipes. Whenever I made the sauce, I felt a connection to Maria and her grandmother, a reminder of the bond we shared over a shared love for food.

As I grew older, I passed down the recipe for Piri-Piri Sauce to my own grandchildren, just as Maria had done for me. I watched with joy as they learned to make the sauce with enthusiasm and curiosity, eager to carry on the tradition for generations to come.

And so, the legacy of Piri-Piri Sauce lives on in my family, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the day I first saw that recipe in Maria's kitchen, for it opened up a world of culinary adventures that I will cherish forever.