Green Zhoug – Spicy Cilantro Sauce

Zhoug (pronounced “zoog”) is a spicy herb sauce that comes from Yemen and is super popular in Israeli street food. It’s made from green chilies, cilantro, garlic, and spices. Think of it like Middle Eastern hot sauce-fresh, bold, and packed with flavor.

You can dip bread in it, add it to sandwiches, mix it into hummus, drizzle it over eggs, or even spoon it onto meat or fish. It’s fast to make, and you only need a blender or food processor.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 5–6 green hot chili peppers (fresh)

• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro (about 1 cup chopped, stems included)

• 2 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)

• 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/3 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• A pinch of ground cardamom (optional but awesome)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prep the chiliesCut off the stems, take out the seeds (for less heat), and roughly chop them.

2. Add the cilantroChop the cilantro—yes, use the stems too! They’ve got flavor.

3. Toss everything in a blenderAdd garlic, cumin, salt, and cardamom.

4. Blend it up!Start blending and slowly pour in the oil. Stop when it looks the way you like—smooth or a little chunky.

5. Store it or eat itKeep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. It’ll stay good for a few weeks!

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Want it less spicy? Use fewer chilies or take out all the seeds.

• Too thick? Add a tiny bit of water.

• Great with eggs, falafel, meat, fish, or even French fries.

• Use gloves when handling hot peppers!