Zhoug

Name: Zhoug
Prep time: 15 min
Cuisine: Yemeni/Israeli
Ingredients: Fresh green chile peppers (jalapeño or serrano) — 6; Fresh coriander — 60 g (2 packed cups); Garlic cloves — 4; Ground cumin — 5 g (1.5 tsp); Ground cardamom — 2 g (1/2 tsp); Extra-virgin olive oil — 80 ml (1/3 cup); Fresh lemon juice — 15 ml (1 tbsp); Salt — 5 g (1 tsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

15 min

Prep

0 min

Cook

Ingredients

Fresh green chile peppers (jalapeño or serrano) — 6
Fresh coriander — 60 g (2 packed cups)
Garlic cloves — 4
Ground cumin — 5 g (1.5 tsp)
Ground cardamom — 2 g (1/2 tsp)
Extra-virgin olive oil — 80 ml (1/3 cup)
Fresh lemon juice — 15 ml (1 tbsp)
Salt — 5 g (1 tsp)

Method

Roughly chop chiles (deseed for a milder version).
Combine chiles, coriander, garlic, cumin, cardamom and salt in a food processor; pulse to a coarse paste.
With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until a thick, spoonable paste forms.
Stir in lemon juice.
Adjust salt and heat to taste; let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Cultural Background: A vibrant green chile-herb sauce of Yemeni Jewish origin, zhoug (also spelled skhug) is built on fresh green chiles, coriander and warm spices, and has become a beloved staple condiment across Israel and the broader Middle East since Yemeni Jewish immigration in the 20th century.

Tips: • Keep some pepper seeds in for extra heat, or remove them all for a milder sauce. • The sauce's flavour deepens after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Variations: • Use red chiles for a red-hued version (sometimes called red skhug). • Add a small amount of tomato for a milder, more diluted table sauce.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week; freezes well up to 3 months.

Reheating: Not applicable; served cold or at room temperature. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 90 kcal, 0.5 g protein, 9.5 g fat, 1.5 g carbohydrate per 15 ml serving.

FAQs: What is zhoug traditionally served with? Falafel, shawarma, hummus, and as a table condiment throughout Israeli and Yemeni cuisine. How spicy is zhoug? Quite spicy by default; deseed the chiles and reduce quantity for a milder version.