Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 33 votes

Zhoug Sauce (Oil-Free Version)

Inspired by the popular Middle Eastern condiment zhoug, this whole-food version packs major flavor and nutrition! It gets its richness from nuts or seeds instead of oil. Warm with cardamom and cumin and made as spicy as you like, this healthier take on zhoug sauce is just as versatile as the authentic version. Spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, and use it as a dip for everything from veggies to falafel. 

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

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches cilantro, use the leaves and small stems (2 cups, packed); discard only the thick end of stems
  • 2 to 3 fresh jalapeños
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • 1 ¼ cups raw walnut halves (sub pumpkin seeds for nut-free) Can use less or more for desired richness and texture.
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¾ to 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
  • 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. Can also be frozen for longer storage.

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: 6servings

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.