Servings
Font
Back
Zhoug Sauce (Oil-Free Version)
5 from 33 votes

Zhoug Sauce (Oil-Free Version)

Zhoug Sauce (Oil-Free Version) is a vibrant and spicy sauce made from fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and walnuts, blended with warming spices like cumin and cardamom. Lime juice adds brightness to the thick, pesto-like texture. This oil-free recipe provides a fresh, herbaceous condiment useful for adding heat and flavor to a variety of dishes.

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 142 kcal
Course: Condiments

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches cilantro use leaves and small stems (2 cups packed); discard thick ends of stems
  • 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers fresh
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • 1 ¼ cups walnut Can use less or more for desired richness and texture, raw halves; pumpkin seeds substitute for nut-free
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon cumin ground
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¾ to 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice or lemon juice, fresh
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the jalapenos: this is where you decide the level of heat! Remove seeds to reduce the overall heat, or include seeds for extra spicy zhoug. You can also reserve some of the seeds then add them after blending if you decide you want it spicier. If removing seeds, do that first, then slice jalapenos.*I used 2 large jalapenos with seeds removed from one.
  2. Combine jalapenos, garlic, and walnuts in the bowl of a food processor. Process until broken down into a sticky crumb texture. Add cilantro, red pepper, cumin, cardamom, ¾ teaspoon salt, and juice, and process until everything is incorporated and finely chopped.
  3. With the food processor running, drizzle in water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistancy is reached. Keep in mind, if you altered the amount of nuts/seeds this will affect the amount of water needed. *For a thick pesto consistency I used 1 ¼ cups walnut halves and ¼ cup water.
  4. Taste and adjust salt/spice as desired. Transfer to a storage container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

  • Store zhoug sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week for freshness.
  • Freeze for longer storage to preserve flavor and spice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 142kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 3.5g (7%) Fat 13g (20%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 315mg (13%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 417IU (8%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 29mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 142

% Daily Value*

Calories 142kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 3.5g 7%
Fat 13g 20%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 315mg 13%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 417IU 8%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 29mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.