Zhug Cilantro Sauce

It seems like there’s no middle ground with cilantro: folks tend to adore it or abhor it. For my part, I can’t get enough.

Zhug (pronounced kind of like “za-howk”) is a Yemenite spicy green sauce that showcases cilantro at its best. Bright, citrusy cilantro is combined with parsley, jalapeno, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil along with cardamom, cumin, and black pepper. It’s super aromatic and tastes fresh and zippy with lingering heat.

For cilantro lovers, Zhug is a sure winner for falafel, chicken shawarma, or grilled lamb, but don’t stop there. Add a spoonful to marinades, drizzle it on pizza, or mix with labneh or yogurt for a dip.