Posted July 2, 2006 by Vic in Makers

Nando’s Sundried Tomato & Basil with Peri-Peri Peppers Marinade and Grilling Sauce

So as my first “Official” HSB presented review and after digging through Nick’s box of goodies, I would have to say this was a joint venture between me and the misses. “Whoa that sounds good” were her exact words, so I gave up my first choice and went with her instincts, I was not disappointed. I always feared doing a review because what if I didn’t like what I was trying, or what if “they” don’t like what I have to say about it. Or worse off could I get the words, the taste, or the total experience across to potential customers.

This grilling sauce by Nando’s blew all my hesitations and second guesses away. Upon the first break of the seal and the first smell of the Basil & Tomato I knew I would like it. Whether it’s the Tomato Paste or the Sundried Tomato Powder that comes out first, I guess it doesn’t matter – it totally sells the flavor before you dig in. The “Old Pinky in the Bottle” dip, proves undoubtedly the nose wasn’t lying. This Sauce is good. Like the label says “Like good conversation, this exchange between sundried tomatoes, sweet basil and peri-peri is full of pleasantries with a dash of spice and wit. May it be the talk of your table too.”

Ingredients: Water, Tomato Paste, Vinegar, Sunflower Oil (7%), Sugar, Onion Pieces, Salt, Olive Oil (2%), Serrano Peppers, African Birds Eye Peppers (Peri-Peri), Lemon Puree, Sundried Tomato Powder, Garlic Pieces, Modified Corn Starch, Oregano, Basil, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Xanthum Gum, Tomato (Flavor)

We decided to utilize the Nando’s Sundried Tomato & Basil Sauce as a Marinade, it pours quick and smooth. The Spices, Onion Pieces, and Garlic Pieces are prominent and can be easily seen all throughout and felt with every bite.

Classified as a medium heat level, it holds true to it. The Peri-Peri’s are not overwhelming and only give a somewhat steady tingle and short lived burn but it adds wonderfully to the flavor and balances the sauce well. We set some very nice Boneless Pork Chops in the Nando’s and the flavorings really responded perfectly.

Nando's Sundried Tomato & Basil Marinade - Pork Chops Marinating

Overall the dinner was great, the Pork Chops came out very tender and the great flavor of the sauce held up well after cooking. Complimented with Brown Rice and buttered Spinach (Popeye’s favorite & mine too). What did you expect- me to tell you I was a bad cook? yeah right, you’ve seen my pictures. Never trust a skinny cook is what I was always told. The Nando’s rocked, we used it on the rice, the spinach and sopped it up with some French Bread, Dang Tastey!

Nando's Sundried Tomato & Basil Marinade - Pork Dinner

Conclusion: It’s simple- try it. I have no fear in saying that if Tomato, Onions, Basil, Garlic, and Oregano with a little kick of spiciness and tongue tingle is your thing you will absolutely love it. We did and will be a customer, we look forward to trying other Nando’s products based on our findings with this superb sauce.

Packaging/Label: 7 out of 10
Aroma: 9 out of 10
Taste: 9 out of 10
Heat: 6 out of 10
Overall: 9 out of 10