Zhoug: A Fiery Yemeni Herb Sauce Bursting with Fresh Heat

Zhoug: A Fiery Yemeni Herb Sauce Bursting with Fresh Heat

Zhoug is a vibrant, spicy herb sauce originating from Yemen and widely embraced throughout the Middle East. Its main components are fresh cilantro, parsley, and a potent blend of spices, making it an ideal condiment for adding a burst of flavor to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a spread on sandwiches. This green sauce strikes a perfect balance with its heat and herbaceous notes.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste for heat)
– 4 garlic cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:
1. Prepare the herbs: Roughly chop the cilantro and parsley leaves. Remove any thick stems but small, tender stems are fine to leave on.

2. Process the ingredients: Add the chopped herbs, green chilies (with seeds for extra heat, de-seeded for a milder sauce), and garlic cloves to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.

3. Add the spices: Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, and sea salt to the food processor.

4. Incorporate the liquids: While pulsing, slowly pour in the olive oil and lemon juice. Continue processing until you reach a smooth, pesto-like consistency.

5. Taste and adjust: Taste the Zhoug and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or even an extra chili if more heat is desired.

6. Store and enjoy: Transfer the Zhoug to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serve Zhoug as an accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a zesty addition to flatbreads and sandwiches. Enjoy the fiery, fresh flavors of this incredible Yemeni sauce!