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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.