Easy Piri Piri Sauce

Easy 'Nando’s' Style Piri Piri Sauce

This quick and flavorful Piri Piri sauce is perfect to have on hand for marinades, dressings, or adding a spicy kick to any meal. Simple to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 white onion
• 2 red peppers
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil (about 25 ml or a good glug)
• Salt
• 4 dried red chilies (rehydrated in boiling water, if you want it spicier add a few more!)
• ½ tablespoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika if that’s what you have)
• 5 garlic cloves
• Small handful of fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 100 ml apple cider vinegar (or red/white wine vinegar)

Instructions:

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

• Dice the onion and peppers, season with salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
• Roast them in the air fryer at 200°C for 20 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even color. (You can also roast them in the oven if you prefer.)

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

• Add the roasted onion and peppers to a blender along with:

  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Garlic cloves
  • Smoked paprika
  • Fresh or dried oregano
  • Vinegar
  • Rehydrated chilies (including the soaking water for extra flavor)
  • Olive oil

• Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

• Transfer the blended mixture to a pot and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes.
• Once off the heat, season with salt to taste.

Step 4: Store and Use

• Pour the sauce into a clean jar and let it cool. Store it in the fridge, where it will keep for several weeks.

Use this versatile Piri Piri sauce for marinades, pasta sauces, dressings, or anywhere you want a hit of smoky heat.

Enjoy, Del x