18 Traditional Portuguese Peri Peri Sauce Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!

Peri peri sauce is a staple in traditional Portuguese cuisine, known for its bold and fiery flavor. This versatile sauce is made from a combination of peri peri peppers, herbs and spices, and other ingredients, making it a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. In this article, we will explore the history and ingredients of this popular Portuguese sauce and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.

The History of Peri Peri Sauce

Peri peri sauce, also known as piri piri sauce, originated in the Mozambique and Angola regions of Africa. The name "peri peri" comes from the Swahili word for "pepper", which refers to the small, fiery chili peppers used to make the sauce. During the Portuguese colonial era, sailors brought this spicy sauce back to Portugal, where it quickly became a popular condiment. Today, peri peri sauce is not only a staple in traditional Portuguese cuisine, but it has also gained popularity around the world as a spicy and flavorful addition to various dishes.

The Ingredients of Peri Peri Sauce

The key ingredient in peri peri sauce is the peri peri pepper, also known as the African bird's eye chili. These small, fiery peppers are what give the sauce its signature heat and flavor. Other traditional ingredients include garlic, onion, lemon juice, and vinegar. However, over the years, different variations of peri peri sauce have emerged, with some recipes incorporating additional ingredients such as ginger, paprika, and even honey. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and flavorful sauce that is both spicy and tangy.

Making Peri Peri Sauce at Home

While peri peri sauce can easily be found in stores, making it at home allows for customization and control over the heat level. To make traditional Portuguese peri peri sauce, you will need:

• 6-8 peri peri peppers, deseeded and chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil

To make the sauce, simply blend all the ingredients (except for the olive oil) in a food processor until smooth. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running to emulsify the sauce. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less peri peri peppers. This sauce can be used as a marinade for chicken, as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, or even as a condiment on sandwiches and burgers. In conclusion, peri peri sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a fiery kick to any dish. Its history and ingredients make it a unique and flavorful addition to traditional Portuguese cuisine. With this simple recipe, you can easily make peri peri sauce at home and enjoy its bold flavors in your own cooking. So go ahead, give it a try and add some spice to your meals with this traditional Portuguese peri peri sauce.