Entree: Mozambique – Southern Culinary Region – Frango à Cafreal (Mozambican spiced grilled or roasted chicken marinated in a green herb, garlic, and piri-piri paste)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 45 min

Additional 2 hrs

Total 3 hrs 5 min

Ingredients

- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces, approx. 3 lb (1.4 kg)
- 1 cup (packed) fresh cilantro and parsley leaves, about 30 g
- 4 cloves (about 12 g) garlic
- 2 bird's eye chiles or other hot green chiles, chopped, about 6 g (use 1–2 tsp / 5–10 ml piri-piri sauce if preferred)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (5 g) coarse salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 ml) brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Lemon wedges and extra fresh cilantro for serving

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor combine the cilantro and parsley leaves, garlic, chiles, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and brown sugar if using. Pulse to a slightly coarse green paste (the cafreal marinade).
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or sealable bag. Rub or pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Add bay leaves if using. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and preferably overnight for best flavor.
3. Preheat a grill to medium-high or preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack set for roasting. If grilling, oil the grates. If roasting, place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
4. Grill the chicken 6–10 minutes per side over direct heat until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C), or roast in the oven 35–45 minutes until skin is browned and juices run clear, turning once halfway through.
5. Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges, extra cilantro, and sides such as rice, fried cassava, or salad.