Peri peri seasoning, also known as piri piri seasoning, is a delicious and versatile spice blend that originated in Portugal and has become popular around the world. This flavorful seasoning is a wonderful addition to a variety of dishes, adding a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that will elevate your cooking to new heights. The great news is that you can easily make your own peri peri seasoning at home, and I’m here to show you just how fun and simple it can be.
To begin, let’s gather our ingredients. You will need 2 tablespoons of paprika, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness), 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. These simple ingredients come together to create a truly extraordinary seasoning blend that will take your taste buds on a thrilling journey.
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, let’s start making our peri peri seasoning. First, grab a small bowl and combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined, ensuring that all the flavors are evenly distributed.
Once your dry ingredients are nicely mixed, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour the lemon juice and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir everything together until you have a smooth and fragrant peri peri seasoning blend. The lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy tang to the mix, while the olive oil brings a rich, smooth texture that will help the seasoning adhere to whatever dish you choose to sprinkle it on.
As you’re making your peri peri seasoning, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas of the spices coming together. The paprika gives the blend a warm, red hue, while the garlic and onion powders infuse it with savory, aromatic notes. The oregano and thyme bring a touch of earthy herbiness, and the cayenne pepper adds a fiery kick that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement.
Now that your peri peri seasoning is ready, it’s time to get creative with how you use it. This spice blend is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. You can sprinkle it on grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a burst of zesty flavor, or mix it into marinades and sauces to give your dishes a bold and exotic twist.
For a fun and easy appetizer, try using your peri peri seasoning to make spicy roasted nuts. Simply toss a mix of your favorite nuts with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous sprinkling of peri peri seasoning, then roast them in the oven until they are golden and fragrant. Your guests will love the addictive, spicy crunch of these nuts, and you’ll love how quick and simple they are to make.
If you’re a fan of homemade french fries, consider sprinkling your peri peri seasoning over them for a spicy, flavor-packed treat that will leave you craving more. The tangy, peppery notes of the seasoning will complement the crisp, salty potatoes perfectly, creating a truly irresistible snack or side dish.
In addition to using your peri peri seasoning on savory dishes, don’t be afraid to get creative with it in other ways. You can mix it into mayonnaise or yogurt for a zesty dipping sauce, or sprinkle it over popcorn for a spicy, flavorful snack that will make movie night feel like a gourmet experience.
As you can see, making your own peri peri seasoning is not only simple and fun, but it also opens up a world of exciting possibilities for your cooking. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, frying, or snacking, this flavorful spice blend will bring a delightful burst of flavor to all of your favorite dishes. So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds go on an exhilarating adventure with homemade peri peri seasoning. Your culinary journey starts right here, and the spice-infused possibilities are endless.