Zhoug

Brighten up your dishes with zhoug, a fiery Middle Eastern green sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant spices. Made with a blend of fresh cilantro and parsley, zippy lemon juice, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom, this quick 10-minute recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful. The addition of green chilies provides a customizable kick of heat, balanced by the smooth richness of olive oil. Whether you’re drizzling it over roasted vegetables, using it as a dip for flatbreads, or pairing it with grilled meats, zhoug adds a bold, herby punch to any meal. Easy to make and packed with bright, spicy goodness, this traditional condiment is a must-try for lovers of vibrant, homemade sauces.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh cilantro, packed
• 1 cup Fresh parsley, packed
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 pieces Green chilies (e.g., jalapeño), stemmed and deseeded
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Gather all the ingredients and prepare your mise en place by rinsing the cilantro and parsley thoroughly, peeling the garlic cloves, and deseeding the green chilies for a milder heat if desired.

Step 2

Place the fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic cloves, and green chilies into a food processor or blender.

Step 3

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, and salt to the blender to ensure even spice distribution.

Step 4

Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity and balance.

Step 5

Begin processing the mixture while slowly streaming in the olive oil. This will help emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth, slightly chunky consistency.

Step 6

Add the water one tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired texture, ensuring that the sauce is spreadable but not watery.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if necessary.

Step 8

Transfer the zhoug to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate. This sauce will keep for up to one week in the fridge.

Step 9

Serve as desired! Zhoug is excellent as a condiment for sandwiches, a drizzle over hummus, or alongside grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	908.9 grams (908.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	757

Total Fat 61.80g	79%
Saturated Fat 9.20g	46%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2737mg	119%
Total Carbohydrate 44.50g	16%
Dietary Fiber 24.70g	88%
Total Sugars 8.40g
Protein 20.50g	41%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 735mg	56%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 4170mg	89%

*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: 68.1%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 21.8%