RECIPE

Spicy Zhoug

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 1 1/4 cups

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. Ana Sortun adds pumpkin seeds to her take on this fiery sauce to thicken it and deepen the flavor.

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 1 1/4 cups
  • FAST
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

  • 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.