Peri Peri Sauce Recipe: Indulge in the fiery flavors of my homemade Peri-Peri Sauce that’s sure to add a punch to any dish. Crafted from dry red chili peppers, this zesty Portuguese condiment is a household favorite for its addictive taste.
What is Peri Peri?
Peri-Peri, also known as Piri-Piri, refers to both a vibrant Portuguese sauce and the African Bird’s Eye chili pepper it’s derived from.
Legend has it that Portuguese colonizers introduced Piri-Piri chilies to Portugal from South Africa. These fiery peppers found their way into a sauce that has since become a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
While the true origin of the sauce remains uncertain, what’s undeniable is its awesome spiciness and irresistible flavor.
Peri-Peri chilies pack a serious punch, ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), making them significantly hotter than jalapeño peppers. The sauce crafted from these chilies inherits their fiery characteristics.
About the Peri Peri Sauce Recipe:
If you’re a fan of hot and spicy flavors, you’ll adore this quick and easy peri-peri sauce recipe! In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering sauce ready to elevate any dish.
Introduced to me by my sister over a decade ago, the name “peri-peri” sparked a sense of nostalgia. As it turns out, the South African restaurant chain Nando’s had a presence in Bangalore at the time.
We enjoy peri-peri sauce with everything from veggies and rice to salads and bread. Its zest and spice amplify the flavor of any dish it accompanies, making it a kitchen essential.
This versatile sauce pairs perfectly with snacks like French fries, veg momos, spring rolls, aloo tikki, or any other dish in need of a flavorful dipping sauce.
Traditionally used as a marinade for meats or seafood, we prefer to use it as a marinade for paneer or tofu, or simply as a dipping sauce for prepared foods, given our vegetarian preference.
Ingredients, Substitutions, & Variations: Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
As a global citizen, I understand that ingredient preferences and availability vary by location. Here are some substitutions and variations you can consider to customize this peri-peri sauce recipe according to your taste:
- Red Chilies: Use the red chilies available to you, considering their flavor profile – whether smoky, spicy, pungent, or hot. I’ve used Kashmiri red chilies, which are not very spicy but provide a deep red color. Alternatively, you can use a blend of different red chilies depending on their heat level. If using dry chilies, soak them in cool water for 2 to 3 hours or in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes before blending.
- Lemon Juice: Instead of lemon juice, you can use vinegar, cider vinegar, or a 50/50 mixture of lemon juice and vinegar. However, I’ve only used lemon juice in this recipe.
- Olive Oil: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can increase the amount of olive oil.
- Aging: The sauce improves with age, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. The flavors meld together over time, enhancing the taste of the sauce.
How to Make Peri Peri Sauce Recipe:
- Take 11 to 12 dry Kashmiri red chilies (or any variety of fresh or dried red chilies). Remove the stems and seeds by breaking them or halving them. Alternatively, slit them on one side and shake to remove the seeds. You can also use a small spoon to remove the seeds. If using super hot bird’s eye chilis, consider adding 4 to 5 of them along with milder dry red chilies.
- Rinse the dry red chilies in water and soak them in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes before blending. Skip this step if using fresh red chilies.
- Peel and chop 7 to 8 medium-sized garlic cloves. Prepare all the ingredients required for making the peri-peri sauce.
- In a blender or food processor, add ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves (also known as cilantro leaves, or substitute with parsley leaves) and the soaked dry red Kashmiri chilies.
- Add the chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional), and salt to taste. Instead of red chili flakes, you can use ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili powder
- Pour in ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil. Adjust the amount of oil if you prefer a thinner sauce with a longer shelf life.
- Lastly, add the juice of 1 medium-sized lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon lemon juice). You can use ½ tablespoon vinegar instead of lemon juice if preferred.
- Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and fine in consistency.
- Store the Peri Peri sauce in a container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the fiery flavors of homemade Peri Peri Sauce Recipe, a versatile condiment that adds a punch to any dish. Crafted from dry red chili peppers and bursting with zesty goodness, this sauce is a household favorite for its addictive taste and culinary versatility. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences and enjoy the irresistible flavor of Peri-Peri sauce in various dishes!
FAQs about Peri Peri Sauce Recipe:
What is Peri-Peri sauce, and where does it originate from?
Peri-Peri sauce, also known as Piri-Piri sauce, is a vibrant Portuguese condiment made from African Bird’s Eye chili peppers. Legend has it that Portuguese colonizers introduced these fiery chilies to Portugal from South Africa. The sauce has since become a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
What gives Peri-Peri sauce its fiery flavor?
Peri-Peri chilies, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) range of 50,000 to 125,000, are responsible for the intense spiciness of Peri-Peri sauce. These chilies are significantly hotter than jalapeño peppers, infusing the sauce with their fiery characteristics.
How can I customize the Peri-Peri sauce recipe to suit my taste?
You can customize the Peri-Peri sauce recipe by using different varieties of red chilies according to your preferred heat level. Additionally, you can substitute lemon juice with vinegar or a mixture of both. Adjust the amount of olive oil for a thinner sauce, and allow the sauce to age for enhanced flavor.
What are some popular ways to use Peri-Peri sauce?
Peri-Peri sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce for snacks like French fries, veg momos, and spring rolls. It also pairs well with dishes such as salads, rice, vegetables, and bread. Traditionally used as a marinade for meats or seafood, it can also be used with paneer or tofu for vegetarian options.
How long can I store Peri-Peri sauce, and does it improve with time?
Peri-Peri sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sauce improves with age as the flavors meld together over time. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its addictive taste over an extended period.
