Published: by Absolutely Recipes, in the recipes category.
1/4 TSP whole coriander seed
1/2 TSP whole cumin seeds
1/4 TSP freshly ground black pepper
3 green cardamom pods, small internal seeds only, toasted (optional)
4 medium cloves garlic, roughly chopped
4 to 6 fresh Thai bird chilies, red or green (to taste), roughly chopped; or 4 dried chiles de árbol, stemmed, seeded, and torn into fine pieces
1 TSP kosher salt, plus more to taste
2 ounces fresh parsley and cilantro leaves and fine stems (about 2 loosely packed cups of mixed herbs)
1/2 cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Combine coriander seed, cumin, black pepper, and cardamom seeds (if using) in a mortar and pestle and grind into a powder using a firm, circular motion.
Add garlic, chilies, and salt and pound into a rough paste.
Add cilantro and parsley one small handful at a time and continue pounding into a rough paste.
(By the time you're done, there should be no pieces of chilies or herbs larger than 1/8 inch remaining.
) Pounding constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil to form an emulsion.
Season to taste with more salt.
Zhug can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Experience the heartbeat of the culinary world like never before! Join our weekly Absolutely Recipes Newsletter and immerse yourself in a weekly dose of delicious recipes, food trends, culinary news, articles and product reviews.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ABSOLUTELY RECIPES NEWSLETTER NOW