Zchug Recipe: A Fiery Yemeni Hot Sauce

Zchug (or zhug) is a spicy, herbaceous condiment hailing from Yemeni cuisine, beloved throughout the Middle East. Its vibrant green color and bold flavors make it perfect for spreading on pita, dolloping over hummus, or adding a spicy kick to roasted vegetables and meats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 2–3 green chili peppers (adjust to taste), stems removed
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   Rinse the cilantro and parsley thoroughly, then pat dry. Roughly chop the herbs and chili peppers to make blending easier.

2. Blend:
   In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, parsley, chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and salt.

3. Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil:
   Pour in the lemon juice and olive oil. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured. Scrape down the sides as needed.

4. Adjust Consistency and Taste:
   If the zchug is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or additional olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.

5. Store and Serve:
   Transfer the zchug to a clean jar. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve as a dip, spread, or sauce for your favorite dishes.

Tips for Customization

• For extra heat: Add more chili peppers or include some of the seeds.
• For a smoky twist: Use roasted garlic or smoked paprika as a garnish.
• For red zchug: Substitute green chilies with red chilies and adjust the spices slightly (try adding a bit of sweet paprika).