If you enjoy spicy and flavorful condiments, then piri piri sauce is a must-try! It is a famous sauce all over the world and Africa is no exception. It is a common ingredient especially in most East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Piri piri adds a zing to any dish, making it an excellent companion for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce.
In this recipe, we will walk you through a simple and delicious recipe to make your own homemade piri piri sauce.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 red chili peppers
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Note: The number of chili peppers can be adjusted depending on your spice preference. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers to vary the heat level and flavor.
Instructions:
- Prepare the chili peppers:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the chili peppers’ heat.
- Rinse the chili peppers under cold water, remove the stems, and roughly chop them.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, you can deseed the peppers to reduce the heat.
- Blend the ingredients:
- In a food processor or blender, add the chopped chili peppers, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and consistent sauce.
- Adjust the consistency:
- While blending, gradually pour in the olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You can add more or less oil depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce.
- Taste and adjust the flavors:
- Once blended, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors to your liking.
- Store the sauce:
- Transfer the piri piri sauce into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for up to a month.
Usage Tips:
- Piri piri sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. Coat the meat with the sauce and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Drizzle piri piri sauce over roasted vegetables, such as potatoes or bell peppers, to give them a spicy kick.
- Use piri piri sauce as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. It adds a vibrant and fiery element to your favorite foods.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili peppers. Remember, the seeds and membranes of the chili peppers are the spiciest parts
