A Glimpse into the World of Peri-Peri
Peri-Peri, also known as Piri-Piri or Pili-Pili, is a type of chili that originates from Africa. It's renowned for its fiery kick and is the heart and soul of the famous Peri-Peri Chicken.
While the traditional recipe calls for these African chilis, Chef RV brings his own twist to this classic, making it accessible for everyone.
Ingredients for the Perfect Peri-Peri Chicken
Meat
1 whole chicken (butterflied and converted to grams)
Chicken Rub
2-3 teaspoons rock salt 2-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons calamansi juice ½ teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
For Roasting
2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic 60 grams mayonnaise 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon tomato catsup 1 teaspoon white vinegar 2 tablespoons water Juice of ½ lemon Parsley leaves (to taste) Salt and pepper (to taste)
Crafting the Perfect Peri-Peri Chicken
- Prepare your chicken by butterflying it or removing the spine. Discard any liquids that might have come out of the chicken.
- Drizzle it with calamansi juice. If calamansi isn't available, lemon or lime juice works just as well.
- Season the chicken with rock salt, cayenne pepper, and cracked black pepper. For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Add dried thyme to the mix. If you have fresh thyme on hand, use two to three times the amount, as fresh herbs are milder in flavor.
- Sprinkle some aromatic cinnamon powder.
- Place the minced garlic beneath the chicken to prevent it from burning during roasting. Burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste.
- Spread the remaining marinade over the chicken and top it off with butter. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the skin from burning too much.
- Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400° Fahrenheit or 190° Celsius for about 45 to 55 minutes. The skin should turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp up nicely.
- After roasting, let the chicken rest with the aluminum foil for around 30 minutes to an hour before carving.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Combine water, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and hot sauce in a blender. Adjust the hot sauce according to your preference.
- Add the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of vinegar.
- Toss in some parsley leaves and blend until smooth.
What to Pair with Your Peri-Peri Chicken
Peri-Peri Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh salads with a tangy dressing
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crispy potato wedges
Nutritional Information
Given the ingredients provided, here's a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 200 grams per serving):
- Calories: 239
- Carbohydrate Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 85mg
- Fat Content: 14g
- Protein Content: 25g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4g
- Sodium Content: 590mg
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Trans Fat Content: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat Content: 10g
Note: The above values are estimates and may vary based on preparation methods. This should not be used for any medical requirements.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Outcome
- Marinating the chicken overnight in the regrigerator ensures the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Placing garlic beneath the chicken prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your liking. Remember, it's all about balance!
Ingredient Substitutes
If you're unable to find some of the ingredients listed, here are some substitutes:
- Calamansi Juice: You can use lemon or lime juice.
- Cayenne Pepper: Red chili powder or paprika can be used, though the flavor might slightly differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Peri-Peri Chicken?
Peri-Peri refers to the African bird's eye chili, which is a key ingredient in the traditional recipe. The name itself is derived from the Swahili word for 'pepper pepper'.
Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting?
Absolutely! Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that complements the spicy marinade beautifully.
How can I store leftover sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to a week.