If you’ve never made zhug before, get ready to meet your new favorite green sauce. This authentic zhug is a bold, spicy Yemeni herb sauce made with fresh cilantro, parsley, serrano peppers, garlic, cumin, and cardamom blended with rich olive oil. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and instantly elevates anything it touches, from grilled chicken and roasted vegetables to hummus, shawarma, and eggs. Once you taste how fresh and flavorful homemade zhug is, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times.
Homemade Zhug – Spicy Cilantro & Parsley Yemeni Sauce
This vibrant, herby zhug is bold, spicy, and packed with fresh flavor. Made with cilantro, parsley, serrano peppers, warm spices, garlic, and olive oil, it’s the kind of sauce that instantly elevates anything it touches, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, and bowls.If you love a little heat and a lot of flavor, this is a must-make.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro tender stems are fine
- 1 bunch parsley hard stems removed
- 3 serrano pepper seeds removed for less heat
- 5 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ½-⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, serrano peppers, garlic, cumin, cardamom, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a thick, spoonable sauce. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Adjust salt or spice level to taste. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to one week.