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Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce)

A fiery Yemeni herb sauce built on fresh cilantro, serrano chiles, and warm spices blended with olive oil. Intensely aromatic and versatile, zhug elevates everything from eggs to grilled meats to flatbread.

10 minEasyServes 860 cal/serving

YemeniSauceBlenderVeganVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
  • 4 serrano chiles (or jalapenos for milder heat), stemmed, seeded
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 2 cups roughly chopped fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems), 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 4 stemmed, seeded serrano chiles (or jalapenos for milder heat), and 4 garlic cloves in a food processor or blender. Pulse until roughly chopped.

  2. 2

    Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pulse again until a coarse paste forms.

  3. 3

    With the machine running, drizzle in 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency - leave it chunky or blend smooth.

  4. 4

    Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. Keeps for up to 1 week; the color may darken slightly.

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Questions

What is Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce)?

A fiery Yemeni herb sauce built on fresh cilantro, serrano chiles, and warm spices blended with olive oil. Intensely aromatic and versatile, zhug elevates everything from eggs to grilled meats to flatbread. This reference files it under Yemeni sauce: made in a blender, rated easy and about 10 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for cilantro in Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce)?

The entry for Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) calls for 2 cups fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems), roughly chopped. In its place: Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime, for anyone who tastes soap. The dish loses its signature note but stays fresh.

Can I make Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) comes from 4 serrano chiles (or jalapenos for milder heat), stemmed, seeded. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the chiles, or use half; nothing else in the method changes.

Is Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) low-carb?

A serving of Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) carries 4 g of carbohydrate. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 20 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 4 percent.

How long does Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) keep?

Refrigerate Zhug (Yemeni Green Hot Sauce) in a sealed jar and use it within four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

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