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.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 8

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to make blending easier.

Step 3

Slice off the stems of the green chilies. For milder heat, deseed the chilies, or leave the seeds for maximum spiciness.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Mix until the zchug reaches a slightly chunky yet spreadable consistency. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want some texture to remain.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Step 8

Transfer the zchug to a clean, airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 9

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

Serving size	428.9 grams (428.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2122

Total Fat 226.00g	290%
Saturated Fat 34.90g	175%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 74mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate 20.40g	7%
Dietary Fiber 6.20g	22%
Total Sugars 4.80g
Protein 5.60g	11%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 192mg	15%
Iron 9mg	47%
Potassium 1040mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 95.1%

Protein: 1.0%

Carbs: 3.8%