Piri Piri Sauce

🧂 Ingredients

• 20 Piri piri chilies(Fresh or dried. If using dried, rehydrate in warm water for 15 minutes before use. Remove stems. For less heat, remove seeds and membranes.)
• 6 cloves Garlic(Peeled and roughly chopped.)
• 80 ml Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed is best.)
• 120 ml Olive oil(Extra virgin olive oil recommended for flavor.)
• 60 ml Red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Smoked paprika(Adds a smoky depth of flavor.)
• 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the chili base: In a food processor or blender, combine the piri piri chilies (stems removed, seeds optional for heat control), roughly chopped garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice. Process until a coarse paste forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Infuse the oil: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Do not let it smoke. Once shimmering, carefully add the chili-garlic paste. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
3. 3

   Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

   ⏱️ 1 minute
4. 4

   Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld. The aroma should be pungent and spicy.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
5. 5

   Cool and strain (optional): Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool completely. For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids. Discard the solids or reserve for other uses. For a chunkier sauce, skip straining.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
6. 6

   Bottle and store: Transfer the cooled piri piri sauce to a clean, sterilized glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for several months.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Wear gloves when handling chilies to avoid skin irritation.
• ✓Adjust the number of chilies or remove seeds and membranes to control the heat level.
• ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or a teaspoon of tomato paste.
• ✓This sauce is incredibly versatile; use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or a flavor enhancer for grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and stews.

🔄 Variations

• Add 1-2 additional tablespoons of minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
• Incorporate 1 teaspoon of dried oregano along with the paprika for an herbaceous note.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving