Zhug (Zhoug) Recipe – Authentic Yemeni Green Chili Sauce
This authentic Zhug (Zhoug) recipe is a traditional Yemeni green chili sauce made with fresh chillies, coriander, onion, tomato, lemon, spices, and water. Bold, fresh, and deeply rooted in Yemeni cuisine.Zhug, also known as zhoug or sahawiq, is a vibrant, fiery green chili sauce originating from Yemen. Fresh, raw, and intensely aromatic, it is a staple in Yemeni homes, served alongside everyday meals to add heat, sharpness, and balance.
Ingredients
- Handful Chillies
- 5 cloves Garlic
- ½ Onion
- Large handful Coriander
- 1-2 Tomatoes Optional, you will likely not need to add Water if you add Tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Coriander
- Salt and Pepper According to taste
- ½ Lemon Juice only
Instructions
Prepare the Chillies
- Remove stems. Leave seeds in for full heat or remove for a milder sauce.
Add Ingredients to Blender
- Add chillies, garlic, onion, coriander stems and leaves, tomato, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper and lemon juice.
Blend
- Pulse until the mixture is coarse but cohesive. Avoid over-blending (zhug should retain texture).
Adjust Consistency
- Add small amounts of water until thick yet spoonable.
Rest Before Serving
- Let the zhug rest for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
Texture & Flavour Profile
Zhug should be: Coarse and rustic Bright green Spicy, tangy, garlicky, and fresh It should taste sharp and alive, never smooth or muted.Variations Found in Yemeni Cooking
Tomato forward zhug for added acidity. Here is the more tomato forward one that I made yesterday with red onion. Onion heavy zhug for subtle sweetness Herb heavy zhug for softer heat Thicker zhug eaten almost like a paste There is no single correct version (only what suits the household).How Zhug Is Traditionally Served
I eat Zhug with EVERYTHING! I love it so much. Zhug is served as a table condiment, not cooked into dishes although I have done that too and yum.. It accompanies: Flatbread Beans and lentils such as Ful Rice dishes such as Lamb Zurbian Meat stews Vegetables such as this Pumpkin with Zhoug Yoghurt Eggs such as Yemeni Lahsa A small spoonful goes a long way.Frequently Asked Questions
What does zhug taste like? Zhug is spicy, tangy, fresh, and aromatic with balanced heat and acidity. Does zhug contain oil? No. Traditional zhug is made without oil, using water to blend the ingredients. You can however drizzle it with Olive Oil. How long does fresh zhug last? Fresh zhug is best consumed within 2–3 days when kept in an airtight container in the fridge.Nutrition
Calories: 9kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 132IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.2mg
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