Everything You Need to Know About Peri Peri Seasoning

Peri seasoning, with its bold and fiery flavors, has been igniting taste buds and enhancing dishes around the world. From its origins in Portuguese cuisine to its transformation in Southern Africa, peri seasoning has become a beloved and versatile spice blend. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about peri seasoning – its history, ingredients, culinary uses, and how to make your own. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that explores the captivating world of peri seasoning and the dishes it elevates.

What is Peri Peri Seasoning?

Peri Peri seasoning, also known as Piri Piri or simply Peri Peri spice, is a fiery and flavorful spice blend that originated in Portuguese cuisine but gained worldwide popularity, particularly in Southern Africa. It is renowned for its spicy, smoky, and aromatic profile, making it a versatile and beloved seasoning used in a variety of dishes.

Peri Peri seasoning is known for its intense heat, derived primarily from the use of hot chili peppers. These peppers can vary in heat level, with some being extremely fiery.

What is in Peri Peri Seasoning?

• Chili Peppers: Peri Peri seasoning is renowned for its fiery heat, and this comes from the use of hot chili peppers. Varieties like bird's eye chili or cayenne peppers are often used. The quantity of chili peppers can be adjusted to control the spiciness of the blend.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the seasoning. It's usually used in granulated or powdered form.
• Paprika: Paprika, whether sweet or smoked, contributes a rich, red color and a smoky undertone to the seasoning.
• Oregano: Dried oregano leaves or ground oregano are included for their earthy and herbaceous notes.
• Basil: Basil is another common herb in Peri Peri seasoning, offering a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder provides a subtle onion flavor and enhances the overall savory profile.
• Lemon or Lime Zest: Citrus elements, like lemon or lime zest, add a refreshing and zesty contrast to the heat.
• Salt: Salt is used to enhance the overall flavor and balance the spiciness.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper is often included for its mild heat and peppery taste.
• Oil: Some recipes call for the addition of oil, such as olive oil, to create a paste-like consistency, which can be used as a marinade or sauce.
• Vinegar: Vinegar, typically wine vinegar or white vinegar, can be used to balance the heat and acidity of the seasoning.

What is Peri Peri Seasoning Used For?

Peri Peri seasoning is a versatile and fiery spice blend that is used to add bold and flavorful heat to a variety of dishes. Here are some common culinary uses of Peri Peri seasoning:

• Peri Peri Chicken: Perhaps the most famous use of this seasoning is for peri peri chicken. The seasoning is often used as a dry rub or marinade for grilled or roasted chicken, resulting in a spicy, smoky, and aromatic dish.
• Grilled Meats: Peri Peri seasoning is excellent for seasoning and spicing up various grilled meats, including beef, pork, and lamb. It adds a fiery kick and a smoky flavor to the meats.
• Seafood: Peri Peri spice seasoning pairs well with seafood, particularly shrimp, prawns, and fish. It can be used as a dry rub or as part of a marinade for grilled or pan-seared seafood dishes.
• Vegetables: Peri Peri seasoning can be used to season and spice up grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. It adds a fiery and savory element to vegetarian dishes.
• French Fries: Some people enjoy sprinkling Peri Peri seasoning on French fries or potato wedges to add a spicy and smoky flavor to this classic snack.
• Sauces and Marinades: Peri Peri seasoning can be used to create flavorful sauces and marinades for various dishes. These sauces can be used for dipping, basting, or marinating meats and vegetables.

Heat Level of Peri Peri Spice

Some Peri Peri blends are formulated with milder chili peppers, resulting in a relatively mild heat. These versions are ideal for those who enjoy the flavor of Peri Peri but prefer a gentler spiciness.

Many commercially available Peri Peri spices fall into the medium heat category. They provide a noticeable kick without being overwhelmingly hot. This heat level is typically well-balanced with other spices and flavorings.

How To Use Peri Peri Seasoning

Using Peri Peri seasoning in your cooking can add bold and fiery flavors to a wide range of dishes. Here are some cooking tips and recipe ideas to help you make the most of this versatile spice blend:

Cooking Tips

• Start with a Small Amount: If you're new to Peri Peri seasoning, start with a small amount, as it can be quite spicy. You can always add more if you want to increase the heat.
• Adjust to Taste: Peri Peri seasoning can vary in spiciness from mild to extra hot. Choose the level of heat that suits your preference.
• Marinades: Create a Peri Peri marinade by mixing the spice blend with olive oil, citrus juice, and a touch of vinegar. Use this to marinate chicken, shrimp, or tofu before grilling.
• Dry Rub: For a quick and easy option, use Peri Peri as a dry rub for meats and vegetables before grilling or roasting. The seasoning adds both flavor and a fiery kick.
• Homemade Sauces: Mix Peri Peri seasoning with mayonnaise, yogurt, or sour cream to create spicy dipping sauces for fries, chicken tenders, or grilled vegetables.
• Stir-Fries: Add a dash of Peri Peri seasoning to stir-fry dishes for a spicy twist. It pairs well with vegetables, tofu, and shrimp.

Recipe Ideas

• Peri Peri Chicken: Marinate chicken pieces or a whole chicken in a Peri Peri marinade, then grill or roast until fully cooked. Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
• Spicy Shrimp: Toss shrimp in Peri Peri seasoning, grill or pan-sear until they turn pink and are cooked through. Serve with a garlic butter dipping sauce.
• Vegetable Skewers: Thread a variety of vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms) onto skewers, season with Peri Peri, and grill until tender and slightly charred.
• Spicy Rice: Add a teaspoon of Peri Peri seasoning to your rice cooker or pot when making rice. It infuses the rice with flavor and heat.
• Peri Peri Fries: Toss hot French fries with a sprinkle of Peri Peri seasoning for a spicy and crispy treat.
• Peri Peri Pasta: Create a spicy pasta dish by tossing cooked pasta with olive oil, Peri Peri seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Spicy Wings: Coat chicken wings with Peri Peri seasoning and bake them in the oven until crispy. Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
• Peri Peri Pizza: Sprinkle Peri Peri seasoning over your pizza for a spicy and smoky twist. It pairs well with chicken, bell peppers, and red onions.

Where To Buy Peri Peri Seasoning

Many well-stocked grocery stores and supermarkets carry Peri Peri seasoning, particularly those focused on international or African cuisine, are excellent places to find Peri Peri seasoning. Here at our African Food Store we sell quality peri peri seasoning for you to purchase.

Conclusion

Peri Peri seasoning has left an indelible mark on the world of culinary spices, captivating taste buds with its fiery and aromatic profile. From its Portuguese roots to its transformation in Southern Africa, this spice blend has become a global favorite, gracing an array of dishes with its bold and smoky flavors. Whether used to elevate succulent chicken, spice up grilled vegetables, or add an unexpected twist to pizza, Peri Peri seasoning stands as a testament to the magic of spices in the world of cooking.