Sahawiq (Yemeni Tomato-Chili Relish)

A fresh, chunky relish of tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and cilantro, blended or finely chopped — essentially a Yemeni cousin to salsa, often served alongside or combined with zhoug.

Flavor Profile

Bright, fresh, and moderately hot, with tomato acidity softening the raw chili heat compared to zhoug.

Culinary Uses

Table condiment for Yemeni breads (malawah, saltah); often spooned over saltah stew alongside zhoug and hulba.

Regional Variations

Some households blend sahawiq directly with zhoug for a combined green-red condiment; others keep them strictly separate for guests to mix to taste.

Storage

Best fresh, refrigerated 3–4 days given the fresh tomato and herb content.