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Sahawiq (Yemeni Tomato-Chili Relish)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • Tomatoes
  • Chilies
  • Garlic
  • Cilantro

Method

  1. 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.

Origin: Yemen. 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.