Zchug Yemenite Hot Salsa
Bring bold Middle Eastern flavors to your table with Zchug, a spicy Yemenite hot salsa that’s brimming with fresh herbs and warm spices. This vibrant condiment is made with a fragrant blend of cilantro and parsley, fiery green chilies, zesty garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom, all brightened with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of rich olive oil. Perfectly versatile, zchug’s tangy heat and chunky texture make it an irresistible pairing for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fresh pita bread, and it’s a game-changer as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this homemade zchug is your new go-to for adding flavor-packed excitement to any dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro
- 1 cup Fresh parsley
- 6 pieces Garlic cloves
- 4 pieces Green chilies
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 3 pods Cardamom pods (or ground cardamom)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup Olive oil
Instructions
Rinse the fresh cilantro and parsley thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove tough stems, leaving mostly just the leaves.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to make blending easier.
Slice off the stems of the green chilies. For milder heat, deseed the chilies, or leave the seeds for maximum spiciness.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, garlic, green chilies, ground cumin, ground coriander, cardamom pods (or a pinch of ground cardamom), and salt.
Add the lemon juice to the mixture. Blend on medium speed while slowly drizzling in the olive oil, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
Mix until the zchug reaches a slightly chunky yet spreadable consistency. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want some texture to remain.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Transfer the zchug to a clean, airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Serve as a spicy accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or warm bread, or use it as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2122 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 226.0 g | 290% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.9 g | 174% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 74 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.4 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.6 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 192 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 1040 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
