Mia Patel
Nando's Peri Peri Chicken is a popular dish with a spicy African sauce that gives it a bold flavour. The secret behind the flavourful taste of this recipe lies in its marinade, which includes garlic and onion. The aromatics in the recipe are red onion and garlic cloves, which give texture and flavour to the sauce. The sauce also includes vinegar, lemon, oregano, paprika, and other spices. The chicken is typically marinated for several hours or overnight to allow the flavours to sink into the meat.
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What You'll Learn
Peri peri sauce ingredients
Peri peri sauce is a spicy, tangy, and flavourful condiment that is commonly used as a marinade for chicken. The key ingredients in peri peri sauce are:
- Garlic: This ingredient adds a sharp, savoury flavour to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves are preferred, but garlic powder or puree can also be used.
- Onion: Red onions are commonly used, as they provide both texture and a sweet, pungent flavour to the sauce.
- Chillies: The type of chillies used can vary, but commonly included varieties are bird's eye chillies, also known as peri peri or piri piri peppers, and large red chillies. These add a significant amount of heat to the sauce.
- Lemon: Lemon juice and zest are both used to add acidity and a bright, citrusy flavour.
- Vinegar: Wine vinegar or malt vinegar is used to add a sharp, tangy flavour.
- Spices: Common spices used include paprika, for a touch of smokiness and colour; oregano, as the main herb; black pepper; and salt.
The ingredients are typically blended or processed into a smooth paste, which is then used as a marinade for chicken. The chicken is coated in the sauce and left to marinate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat. This results in juicy, flavourful chicken with a bold kick.
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Aromatics
Onions are a type of aromatic vegetable known for their pungent flavour and strong aroma. They are a common ingredient in various dishes and can be used in a variety of ways, such as being chopped, sliced, or diced. Onions can also be cooked in different ways, including frying, sautéing, or caramelizing, to bring out their natural sweetness. In the Nando's peri peri chicken recipe, onions are cut into small chunks and partially charred in the oven before being blended into a smooth paste. This process adds a smoky flavour to the dish.
Garlic, on the other hand, is another aromatic ingredient that is commonly used to add flavour to dishes. It has a strong, pungent flavour and aroma that can enhance the taste of a variety of savoury dishes. Garlic can be used in a variety of forms, such as whole cloves, minced, crushed, or powdered. In the Nando's peri peri chicken recipe, garlic is used in its smashed or crushed form, providing a strong flavour base for the sauce.
Both onion and garlic are essential aromatics in the Nando's peri peri chicken recipe, contributing to the overall flavour and aroma of the dish. They work synergistically with other ingredients, such as chillies, peppers, and spices, to create a well-balanced and flavourful sauce.
Additionally, the Nando's peri peri chicken recipe includes other aromatics such as lemon and vinegar, which contribute to the acidity and tanginess of the sauce. The combination of these aromatics creates a complex and robust flavour profile that has made Nando's peri peri chicken a popular dish among fans of spicy, flavourful food.
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Marinade
The secret behind the robust taste of Nando's Peri Peri Chicken lies in its marinade. A combination of spicy and tangy ingredients, this marinade is what makes the dish so flavoursome. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavourful it will be. While the chicken can still be tasty after marinating for five hours, it is recommended to leave it overnight if possible.
The aromatics in the recipe are onion and garlic. The onion should be cut into rough chunks, while the garlic cloves should be crushed, grated, or minced. Both ingredients add texture to the sauce, and the sauce will be too diluted without them. The acidity of the peri-peri sauce comes from vinegar and lemon. Wine vinegar is recommended, but other types of white vinegar can be used as a substitute. For the lemon, both the juice and the zest are required. It is easier to zest the lemon before cutting it, and only the yellow part of the peel should be used as the white part is bitter.
The other ingredients in the marinade are roasted red peppers, honey, chillies, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The peppers and garlic should be smashed, and all the ingredients are then blended into a smooth paste. The chicken pieces are then coated in the marinade and left to sit. The chicken can be seared in a griddle pan with rapeseed oil to create char lines.
The marinade can also be used for vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives, such as tofu or seitan. It can also be made in smaller quantities as a dipping sauce for chicken strips, potato wedges, and chips.
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Spiciness
The Peri Peri sauce, which is integral to the dish's spiciness, typically includes garlic, vinegar, lemon, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. The garlic contributes to the spice profile while also providing texture and flavour to the sauce. The type of vinegar used can vary, with wine vinegar, white vinegar, or malt vinegar being common choices. Lemon juice and zest add acidity and flavour, enhancing the spice notes.
The chicken is usually marinated in the Peri Peri sauce, allowing the spicy flavours to permeate the meat. The longer the chicken is marinated, the more intense the flavour becomes. A minimum of one hour is recommended, but for the best results, marinating overnight or for several hours is ideal. This process ensures that each bite of chicken delivers a burst of spice and flavour.
In addition to the sauce, the choice of chicken pieces can also impact the spiciness. Chicken thighs, legs, drumsticks, or a combination of these parts can be used, depending on personal preference. The chicken is then cooked, typically grilled or roasted, resulting in juicy and succulent meat infused with the spicy flavours of the marinade.
The spiciness of Nando's Peri Peri Chicken can be customised not only through the marinade but also through side dishes and sauces. The dish is often served with rice, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables, which can help balance the spice. Nando's also offers a range of sauces with different spice levels, allowing diners to further adjust the heat according to their taste.
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Sides
While the focus of the meal is the chicken, the sides you choose can make or break the entire dining experience. Here are some sides that will complement the flavours of the peri-peri chicken and enhance your meal:
Rice
Rice is a staple side dish that goes well with peri-peri chicken. You can choose from a variety of rice dishes, such as coconut lime rice, spicy rice, or citrus and cilantro rice. The rice will soak up the delicious peri-peri sauce and provide a hearty base for your meal.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a popular choice to accompany peri-peri chicken. You can grill or roast the corn to add a charred flavour that pairs well with the spicy chicken. Some recipes even suggest popping the corn into the same tray as the chicken for the last 10 minutes of cooking, allowing it to absorb the juices and flavours.
Salads
A refreshing salad can balance out the spiciness of the peri-peri chicken. Opt for a lettuce, onion, and tomato salad, or add some baby spinach or rocket for an extra nutritional punch. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also include roasted baby potatoes, potato salad, or sweet potato wedges in your salad.
Garlic Bread
For garlic lovers, garlic bread is an excellent option to enhance the garlicky notes in the peri-peri sauce. The bread will also help mop up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Macho Peas
Macho Peas are a unique side dish that can add a burst of flavour to your meal. They are a great way to include some vegetables and a playful twist to your dining experience.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side that brings a creamy, crunchy texture to your meal. It pairs well with the spicy chicken and can help cool down your palate between bites.
The key to choosing the right sides is to consider the flavours and textures that will complement the peri-peri chicken. Whether you opt for one side or a combination of a few, these suggestions will surely elevate your dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, garlic and onion are aromatics in the recipe.
They provide texture and flavour to the sauce.
Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic and onion to your preference.
The marinade includes lemon, vinegar, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chillies.
While it is not recommended, you can omit garlic and onion from the marinade if desired. However, doing so will significantly alter the flavour and texture of the sauce.
