Authentic Zhoug Sauce Recipe (Zhug)

Zhoug is a flavorful Middle Eastern Green Chili Sauce that gives meals a burst of flavor. Simple easy recipe that can be made in 5 minutes flat! This version is simple and easy without compromising flavor. Lather it over grilling meats, add to wraps or sandwiches, liven up soups and stews or my favorite…make Zhoug Yogurt by stirring it into yogurt for a flavorful sauce.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1–3 whole jalapenos, sliced ( start with one, if unsure)

  • 2 fat garlic cloves

  • 1 bunch cilantro, small stems ok (about 1 cup packed tightly)

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon ( or whole seeds, please see notes)

  • 1 teaspoon cumin- ground or whole seeds

  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds– optional but good!

  • 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns – optional

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste

  • 1/3 cup olive oil, more to desired consistency

  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Toast any whole seeds in a dry skillet over med-low heat until fragrant. Note: If using cardamom pods– crush the pods and remove the seeds- just toast the seeds. Let cool slightly.

  2. Place the toasted spices and all the remaining ingredients (except the oil) in a food processor and pulse until it’s uniformly chopped. Add oil and lemon juice and pulse into a coarse paste. For a looser version, add a bit more oil.

  3. Taste for salt and heat, adding more if necessary.

  4. Add chili flakes if you like.

  5. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week.

NOTES

Toasted whole spices have the best flavor here! Remove cardamom seeds from the pods- leave the pods out. 😉 TIP: The cardamom is the star here, so make sure you use enough so you can taste it.

Chilies: Jalapeños are not traditional yet produce a very consistent and milder heat. You can swap them out for hotter serrano or other green chilies.

Herbs: Feel free to swap out the cilantro for flat-leaf parsley or even part fresh mint. You can also do a blend of all three!

Make Zhoug Yogurt: mix 1-2 tablespoons of Zhoug with a cup of yogurt, add more to taste. Taste, adjust salt.

~ www.feastingathome.com

Condiment/Sauces/DressingKatharina Kunz