Peri-Peri Sauce (Just like Nando’s!)

Tangy, spicy and garlicy, Peri-Peri sauce is just so appetising and keeps you coming back for more. It’s flavours are bold and vibrant, and goes perfectly as a seasoning or marinade. Use this recipe to create your very own homemade Peri-Peri sauce, which stores well in your fridge up to a couple of months!

Origins of the Peri-Peri sauce

Peri-Peri (otherwise spelt at Piri-Piri) is actually derived from Swahili which translates directly into “pepper-pepper”. While there is usually some confusion as to whether Peri-Peri sauce is South African or Portuguese, it was actually created by Portugal immigrants who were living in South Africa after discovering the African Bird Eye chilis. These chilis may be small but definitely pack a punch.

Putting together the ingredients

This peri-peri sauce is really easy to make once you assemble all the ingredients and doesn’t require any cooking. It goes perfectly with chicken and seafood, and even salad if you want an extra kick!

If you can’t find African bird’s eye chilis easily, substitute them for other spicy peppers (e.g. jalapenos, red cayenne peppers, etc). Experiment and adjust the quantities accordingly to the spice level preferred. Chop the peppers and remove the stems. If you want to reduce the spiciness, opt to remove some of the seeds.

You will also need some garlic, chopped cilantro, chopped basil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, olive oil and salt to taste.

Blend it all together

In a high speed blender or food processor, add all the ingredients and blitz till your desired consistency. Feel free to drain a little of the liquid if you prefer it thicker.

This sauce is now ready to used as a marinade for your chicken or seafood, or simply as dressing. Store the rest of your Peri-peri sauce in a jar and keep refrigerated!