Zhug is an intensely aromatic and spicy Yemeni condiment made from fresh cilantro, fiery chilies, and a blend of toasted spices. This raw green relish delivers a bright, herbaceous kick that cuts through rich, fatty foods perfectly. Unlike cooked sauces, zhug preserves the fresh, grassy notes of the cilantro while offering a slow-building heat from the chilies and cardamom. It is incredibly versatile, serving as a dipping sauce for bread, a marinade for meats, or a zesty topping for falafel, hummus, and roasted vegetables. Prepare it fresh for the best flavor, as it keeps well in the fridge for several weeks.
Zhug (Hot Relish
Description
Zhug is an intensely aromatic and spicy Yemeni condiment made from fresh cilantro, fiery chilies, and a blend of toasted spices. This raw green relish delivers a bright, herbaceous kick that cuts through rich, fatty foods perfectly. Unlike cooked sauces, zhug preserves the fresh, grassy notes of the cilantro while offering a slow-building heat from the chilies and cardamom. It is incredibly versatile, serving as a dipping sauce for bread, a marinade for meats, or a zesty topping for falafel, hummus, and roasted vegetables. Prepare it fresh for the best flavor, as it keeps well in the fridge for several weeks.Ingredients
Directions
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Place cardamom pods, black peppercorns, and caraway seeds in a blender or spice grinder.
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Blend or grind until the spices form a coarse powder.
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Trim the stems from the hot chilies, leaving the rest of the chili intact.
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Add the chilies, garlic cloves, salt, coriander sprigs, and cold water to the blender with the ground spices.
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Blend until you achieve a coarse puree consistency.
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Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 568.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 39.0g60%
- Saturated Fat 9.1g46%
- Cholesterol 43.0mg15%
- Sodium 1069.1mg45%
- Total Carbohydrate 52.0g18%
- Dietary Fiber 38.2g153%
- Sugars 1.7g
- Protein 26.2g53%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Seal the jar tightly and store in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to 2-3 weeks. A thin layer of oil on top can help preserve freshness longer.
Variations: For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before blending. For extra heat, include the seeds or add more fresh chilies.
Tips: Toasting the spices briefly in a dry pan before grinding can enhance their flavor. Adjust the amount of water to control the thickness of the sauce.
Serving: Zhug is excellent as a dip for warm bread, a topping for falafel, hummus, or grilled meats, or as a marinade for chicken or fish.
