Piri piri is much more than just a spicy seasoning for chicken. This spicy blend with a distinctive Portuguese twist also adds extra flavor to vegetables, potatoes, fish and even tofu. The nice thing is you don't need a complicated marinade or a long ingredient list for it.
In this blog you will read what piri piri spices are, how to use them and why a ready-made spice mix is a convenient choice.
What are piri piri spices?
Piri piri (also written peri peri) originally refers to a small, hot chili pepper that grows in parts of Africa. Portuguese explorers encountered this pepper and brought it to Portugal, where it became an indispensable part of Portuguese cuisine.
Today, piri piri usually refers to a spice mix or marinade in which chili pepper is combined with herbs and spices. The exact composition varies by recipe, but the result is almost always a spicy, fresh and pleasantly hot flavor.
Want to know more about the origin of piri piri? Also read our blog Portuguese heat: what is piri piri?
What does a piri piri spice mix consist of?
There is no official recipe for piri piri spices. Almost every producer has its own composition.
The Natural Spices Piri Piri Blend contains:
- Paprika
- Chili
- Coriander
- Onion
- Oregano
- Basil
- Ginger
- Cumin
- Black pepper
- Mustard
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Salt
This combination provides a spicy, slightly smoky and pleasantly hot flavor with fresh and herbal notes. The paprika forms the base, while chili provides the heat. Coriander, oregano and basil give a Mediterranean touch and ginger, cumin, garlic and turmeric add extra depth.
What do you use piri piri spices for?
Many people immediately think of piri piri chicken, but the spice mix is surprisingly versatile.
You can use it for:
- Chicken breast or thigh from the oven
- Chicken from the airfryer
- Grilled chicken skewers
- Shrimps
- Salmon or white fish
- Potato wedges
- Sweet potato
- Roasted cauliflower
- Bell pepper, zucchini and eggplant
- Halloumi
- Tofu
- A spicy yogurt dip or mayonnaise
Because of the combination of spicy chili, fresh lemon and aromatic herbs, the mix goes well with much more than just barbecue dishes.
Using piri piri spices: how much do you need?
A good guideline is:
- 500 grams chicken: 1½ to 2 tablespoons
- 500 grams vegetables: 1 tablespoon
- 500 grams potatoes: 1 to 1½ tablespoons
- 300 grams shrimps: 1 tablespoon
Always mix the spices with a little olive oil. This helps the spices distribute better and stick nicely to the dish.
Recipe: easy piri piri chicken from the airfryer
This simple chicken is ideal for a weekday meal.
Ingredients (2-3 people)
- 500 grams chicken thigh fillet
- 1½ tablespoons Natural Spices Piri Piri Blend
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation
- Mix the chicken with the olive oil and the Piri Piri Blend.
- Preferably let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the airfryer to 190 °C.
- Cook the chicken for 14 to 16 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Shake or turn halfway through.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice or crispy potatoes.
Why choose a ready-made piri piri spice mix?
You can of course combine different spices yourself, but a well-balanced spice mix offers a lot of convenience.
With the Natural Spices Piri Piri Blend you benefit from:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Ready to use immediately
- Perfectly balanced
- Suitable for meat, fish and vegetarian dishes
This way you can put a flavorful dish on the table in a few minutes.
Want to get started with piri piri yourself?
Want to easily enjoy the spicy and hot taste of piri piri? With the Natural Spices Piri Piri Spice Mix you give chicken, vegetables, potatoes, fish and vegetarian dishes a Portuguese twist in no time. Thanks to the well-balanced composition you no longer need separate spices and can quickly put a flavorful dish on the table.
Also available for business customers
Do you work in hospitality, foodservice or develop food products? In addition to our Piri Piri Blend, we also supply a tasty Piri Piri sauce for business customers. This sauce is ideal for, among other things, chicken dishes, wraps, burgers, grilled vegetables and meal concepts. See the Piri Piri sauce for business customers for more information.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is piri piri the same as peri peri?
Yes. Piri piri and peri peri are two different spellings for the same chili pepper and the same flavor style.
2. Is piri piri very hot?
Piri piri certainly has heat, but the flavor is not solely about spiciness. The combination of paprika, garlic, lemon and herbs creates a nice balance.
3. Can I also use piri piri on vegetables?
Absolutely. The spice mix is delicious on cauliflower, bell pepper, zucchini, potatoes and sweet potato.
4. Is piri piri suitable for the airfryer?
Yes. First mix the spices with a little oil so they stick well to the dish during cooking.
5. What makes the Natural Spices Piri Piri Blend special?
Our Piri Piri Blend combines chili, paprika, garlic, onion and aromatic herbs into a balanced flavor. The mix is ready to use immediately and suitable for chicken, vegetables, potatoes, fish and vegetarian dishes. This way you can put a flavorful dish on the table without hassle.
