What Is Zhug?
November 18, 2022
Zhug or Zhoug is a spicy sauce originating in Yemen.
I discovered it as a topping for roasted cauliflower florets but it is also great as a dipping sauce. I've used it as a sandwich spread and with a chickpea burger, and I've stirred it into soups.
It livens things up and is easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 large fresh green chilli
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- Handful fresh coriander
- Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley
- A big squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Extra virgin olive oil (enough to make a sauce)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of sugar
Method:
- Blitz all the ingredients together in a blender, drizzling in enough olive oil to bring it to a sauce consistency.
Footnote:
Zhug's cousin on this site is What Is Ajvar? – a Balkan roasted pepper and aubergine relish, milder but just as moreish.
This recipe is part of my Spice Blends & Condiments collection. Wonky photos, proper food, genuine adventures – The Flexible Chef
