Spice and Portuguese cuisine go hand and hand. From the historical times when the Portuguese explored the oceans to find the best routes to the East, they have been an essential part of our cuisine. This sauce is a simple testament to our appreciation for spice, also called “Piri Piri”. The ingredients and directions are very simple so go ahead and enjoy this wonderful sauce and tell us what you think. It is perfect for being served with either grilled chicken and rice or some seafood dishes like Shrimp Mozambique.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon African bird’s-eye chili pepper powder (If you can’t find this locally, you can easily buy some here on Amazon)
1/2 teaspoon crushed sea salt

Directions:
1) Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and minced garlic with the chili pepper powder in a bowl and stir it well until it reaches a smooth and even consistency.

2) Place the mixture into an oven-safe bowl or small pot on a baking sheet in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 35 minutes to let the spice and flavors infuse.

3) Remove from the oven and allow the sauce to cool down until it reaches room temperature.

4) In a food processor pour the mixture in and puree it for about 15 seconds, or until smooth. With the food processor running, pour the cider vinegar through the feed tube.

5) Once done blending, place the mixture into a container and seal. Place in the refrigerator while not in use in order to maintain freshness.