Yemeni Zhoug (Zahawig) is a spicy chili paste similar to salsa. It is made with tomatoes and spices and served fresh. Because it is very spicy, only a spoonful is used as a condiment to a main dish. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili pepper.

Ingredients

1/2 green chili pepper, chopped (more or less depending on taste and chili variety)
Pinch of cumin seeds
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ripe tomato, cubed
Salt to taste, about 1/8 tsp.

How to make

Grind the garlic, cumin seeds, coriander and pepper with a mortar and pestle until it becomes a paste.Add chopped tomatoes and grind once again with the pestle until the mixture is ground to a pulp. Add salt to taste, about 1/8 tsp. The desired consistency is similar to a salsa, and can be chunky or smooth depending on your taste. Garnish with cilantro and serve with bread, lahooh, or shafoot. An alternative preparation method requires simply placing all ingredients in a blender or food processor until pureed. This method is easier, but will not produce the rich flavors which result from crushing the ingredients.

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