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Tempero para Frango de Churrasco

Serves about 3/4 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Tempero para Frango de Churrasco

Tempero para Frango de Churrasco hails from the sunlit Algarve, where the scent of grilling chicken mingles with the sea breeze. This rub is the cornerstone of the region's famed grilled chicken, often enjoyed on weekends when families gather for leisurely meals outdoors. Its vibrant red hue and rich aroma are unmistakable, promising a taste of Portuguese summer.

Expect a flavor that balances sweet paprika with a hint of heat, underlined by the pungency of garlic and the subtle complexity of bay leaf. As the chicken cooks, the rub transforms into a savory crust, sealing in juices and offering a smoky, citrus-tinged finish. Traditionally, it's the star of the barbecue but also elevates roast potatoes with its aromatic punch.

Ingredients

  • 5 tbspsweet paprika
  • 1 tbsphot paprika
  • 3 tbspgarlic powder
  • 1 tbsponion powder
  • 2 tspground bay leaf
  • 2 tspfreshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by grinding 2 teaspoons of ground bay leaf and 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper. Use a mortar and pestle to achieve a fine consistency, which helps release their essential oils. Allow the ground spices to cool for a few minutes to prevent them from scorching the paprikas in the next step.
  2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon of hot paprika, 3 tablespoons of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. Add the cooled ground bay and black pepper mixture, along with 2 tablespoons of fine sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture takes on a uniform brick red color, indicating that the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. To create the basting sauce for grilling, take three tablespoons of the spice mix and place them in a small bowl. Gradually add olive oil, lemon juice, and a spoonful of piri-piri sauce, stirring continuously. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency that will coat the chicken evenly and enhance its flavor during grilling.
  4. Transfer the remaining spice mix into an airtight jar for storage. This ensures that the flavors remain potent and ready for future use. This versatile seasoning can also enhance the taste of potatoes, rice, and roast pork, providing a quick flavor boost when chicken isn't on the menu.
Cover of Authentic Portuguese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Portuguese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Portuguese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Portuguese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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