Authentic Yemeni Zhug: A Fiery Green Sauce with a Kick

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Zhug, a vibrant and spicy condiment, hails from Yemen and has found its way into the hearts of spice lovers worldwide. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its bold flavors and versatility. Typically made with fresh herbs, garlic, and hot peppers, zhug packs a punch and adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether served alongside falafel, drizzled over grilled meats, or mixed into hummus, this sauce elevates any meal. If you’re a fan of zesty accompaniments, you’ll also enjoy exploring recipes like Muhammara—a spicy pepper dip—or learning how to make traditional Harissa.

Authentic Yemeni Zhug: A Fiery Green Sauce with a Kick - Middle Eastern recipe
Zhug, a vibrant and spicy condiment, hails from Yemen and has found its way into the hearts of spice lovers worldwide. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its bold flavors and versatility. Typically made with fresh herbs, garlic, and hot peppers, zhug packs a punch and adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether served alongside falafel, drizzled over grilled meats, or mixed into hummus, this sauce elevates any meal. If you're a fan of zesty accompaniments, you'll also enjoy exploring recipes like Muhammara—a spicy pepper dip—or learning how to make traditional Harissa.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 20
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves packed
  • 3 medium green chili peppers adjust to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method
 

  1. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, chili peppers, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the cumin, coriander, and salt to the processor. Pulse to combine.
  3. While the processor is running, gradually add the olive oil and lemon juice, blending until a smooth sauce forms.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chili peppers. Zhug pairs well with grilled meats, vegetables, and traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
Nutrition Facts
10 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 20
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.5g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 50mg 2%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0.5g 1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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