RECIPE

© Yunhee Kim

Spicy Zhoug

• Recipe by Ana Sortun

Falafel stands throughout the Middle East often have some version of this hot chile sauce, called zhoug, for giving a spicy kick to pita sandwiches. Sortun adds pumpkin seeds to her take on this fiery sauce to thicken it and deepen the flavor.

• Fast
• Healthy
• Make-Ahead

Ingredients

1. Two 3-ounce Hungarian wax peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
2. 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
3. 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
4. 2 garlic cloves
5. 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
7. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8. 1 1/2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
9. 1/4 cup toasted shelled pumpkin seeds
10. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Season the zhoug with salt and black pepper and serve.

Make Ahead

The zhoug can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Serve With

Grilled chicken or fish.