Homemade Peri-Peri Sauce (Nando's Copycat)

Ingredients:

1 large yellow/red onion

2 large red bell pepper

8 cloves garlic

6 Thai bird red chilies (more for spiciness)

1 lemon juice & zest ~ divide

1/3 cup white vinegar

4 tsp smoked paprika

3/4 tsp dried oregano

3/4 tsp ground white pepper

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 tbsp salt

1-1/2 tbsp whisky (optional)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions/Instructions:

1. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a food processor and process till a smooth paste.
2. Pour the marinade into a saucepan, then add brown, bay leaves, and whiskey (optional).  Increase the heat to med-high and bring it to a boil.  Reduce to low, remove the bay leaf, and let it simmer for about 20 mins.
3. Transfer the sauce to the blender, adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or water to loosen.  Add salt to taste and honey for sweetness.
4. While constantly blending, stream the vegetable oil. If you want the sauce color darker and matches Nando's, add a little extra paprika or Thai chili for spiciness.
5. Finish it off with an additional 3 cloves of garlic.  Blend until it's fine as possible.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a mixing bowl over a nice bath of cool iced water.  Completely season with a taste of salt.  Store in the fridge in an air-tight bottle.