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Zhug (Hot Relish

Zhug (Hot Relish recipe image
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.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1
Calories: 568.6
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
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
  • 3 Cardamom Pods
  • 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds
  • 4 Hot Chilis (more if desired)
  • 1 1/2 cup Coriander sprigs
  • 6 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 cup Cold water
Directions
  1. 1
    Place cardamom pods, black peppercorns, and caraway seeds in a blender or spice grinder.
  2. 2
    Blend or grind until the spices form a coarse powder.
  3. 3
    Trim the stems from the hot chilies, leaving the rest of the chili intact.
  4. 4
    Add the chilies, garlic cloves, salt, coriander sprigs, and cold water to the blender with the ground spices.
  5. 5
    Blend until you achieve a coarse puree consistency.
  6. 6
    Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  7. 7
    Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. 8
    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.

Keywords: zhug, hot sauce, yemeni, cilantro, chili, spicy, condiment, relish, green sauce, falafel dip, cardamom, garlic, vegan, middle eastern, herb sauce, heat, fresh, spices
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/zhug-hot-relish/