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Zhoug (aka Zhug, Shug or Skhug) Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

Zhoug is a vibrant Middle Eastern hot sauce packed with fresh cilantro, parsley, and spicy jalapeños, tempered with aromatic spices sautéed in olive oil. This versatile condiment adds a zesty heat and herbal freshness to dishes, perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spicing up any meal.

Ingredients

Spiced Olive Oil

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Herb and Pepper Mixture

  • 3 cups packed cilantro (1½ large or 3 medium-size bunches, stems and leaves)
  • ½ cup curly or flat-leaf parsley (leaves only)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeds and inner veins removed (reserve seeds)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat Spiced Olive Oil: In a small sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, optional cardamom, and crushed red pepper. The oil should sizzle gently without splattering. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prepare Herb Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, parsley, jalapeños (without seeds and veins), fresh lemon juice, red vinegar, and salt. Pulse or process until the mixture becomes fairly smooth but still retains some texture.
  3. Combine and Pulse: Add the cooled spiced olive oil mixture to the herb blend. Pulse 3 to 4 times just until everything is incorporated; avoid over mixing to maintain texture.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Zhoug and adjust salt as needed. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or include some reserved jalapeño seeds to your desired spice level.

Notes

  • Cardamom is optional but adds a warm, floral note to the flavor profile.
  • Removing seeds and veins from jalapeños reduces heat; reserve seeds to increase spiciness as desired.
  • Zhoug is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Use as a condiment for grilled meats, falafel, roasted vegetables, or as a spicy dipping sauce.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/zhoug-aka-zhug-shug-or-skhug-recipe/