Description
This Easy Zhoug recipe creates a vibrant and spicy cilantro sauce that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. With fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and warm spices blended together with olive oil and lemon juice, this Middle Eastern condiment is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether drizzled on grilled meats, mixed into dips, or used as a zesty spread, this zesty green sauce will elevate your meals with its bright, herbaceous, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Herbs and Vegetables
- 1 large (or 2 small) bunches cilantro, roughly chopped (~2 loose cups)
- 1-3 jalapeño peppers, de-seeded and roughly chopped
- 3 big garlic cloves, roughly chopped
Spices
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (~4 green cardamom pods – inside only)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Others
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- pinch sugar (brown, white or coconut sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by roughly chopping the cilantro, jalapeño peppers (de-seeded for less heat), and garlic cloves to make them easier to process.
- Pulse the Base: Add the chopped cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until the mixture is chunky and uniform in size, letting small cilantro stems remain for extra texture.
- Add Olive Oil: Pour in the olive oil and blend the mixture until you reach your desired sauce consistency. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add more olive oil or a bit of water to loosen it, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed for an even blend.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, lemon juice, cumin, or jalapeño to suit your preference. Stir in the red pepper flakes last if you want to increase the heat level and add a touch of spicy texture.
- Store the Sauce: Transfer the Zhoug sauce to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making it perfect for ready use in various dishes.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level of the sauce.
- Small cilantro stems can be left in for added texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, hummus, and roasted vegetables.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add olive oil or a small amount of water gradually while blending.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a week for optimal freshness.
