[CH] Israeli Z'chug

Dan Bar Dov (dbardov@amil.co.il)
Tue, 19 May 1998 10:30:46 +0200

I've been asked for a recipe for Z'chug (I don't expect english speakers to
be able to pronounce it).
Z'chug (can be spelled Skhug Skhoog etc.) is basically a Yemenite sauce or
kind of salsa. It comes in two varieties, green - hotter, and red - milder.
It is typically served at Falafel stands. There are many variations to how
to make it, the seasoning mostly. The red Z'chug varies too much, so I'll
focus on the green. Green Z'chug is basically made of green chillies (I
think the common chille in Israel is Mirasol, but I'm not sure), cillantro
(fresh coriander leaves), garlic, oil and spices.

Here is one recipe:
Z'Chug

1 cup pureed small green chilies

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fresh coriander (or 3/4 cups fresh coriander and 3/4 cups fresh
parsley)

4 to 5 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 to 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

3 to 5 cardamom pods  or 1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground cumin or caraway seeds

Puree all the ingredients to produce a paste. Store, covered, in the
refrigerator for up to several months. Yields about 2 cups.