Authentic Yemeni Zhug (Skhug) Hot Sauce
Authentic Yemeni zhug (also called skhug or sahawiq) is a fiery green chili and herb sauce made with fresh cilantro, garlic, and warm toasted spices. Bold, bright, and fragrant, it’s the ultimate Middle Eastern hot sauce. Perfect for drizzling over falafel, shawarma, grilled vegetables, or mezze platters.
Servings: 14 servings
Calories: 75kcal
Equipment
- 1 small skillet
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves packed, tender stems okay
- ¼ cup parsley (optional) packed, tender stems okay
- 4–6 green chilies like jalapeño or serrano, stems removed — adjust to taste
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon coriander seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom seeds or 1/8 tsp ground
- ¼ teaspoon caraway seeds optional, traditional in some versions
- ¼–½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Toast the spices
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin, coriander, cardamom, and caraway (if using) for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Shake the pan frequently to avoid burning. Let cool slightly.
Grind the spices
- Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the toasted spices into a coarse powder.
Pulse the aromatics
- In a food processor, add the garlic and chilies. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add herbs and spices
- Add cilantro, parsley (if using) ground spices, and salt. Pulse several times to combine. Scrape down the sides.
Finish with lemon
- Add lemon juice and drizzle in olive oil while pulsing until the zhug reaches a chunky pesto-like consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed.
Notes
Storing Instructions: Place zhug in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg