Zhug


Zhug , sahawiq or bisbas is a hot sauce originating in the Yemeni cuisine. In other countries of the Arabian Peninsula it is also called mabboj.

Etymology

The word Sahawiq comes from the Arabic root which means to pestle or to crush.

Varieties

Varieties in Yemen include sahawiq akhdar, sahawiq ahmar, and sahawiq bel-jiben. Sahawiq is one of the main ingredients of Saltah. Wazif is sometimes added to the Sahawiq's ingredients and it is known as Sahawiq Wazif.
In Israel, one can find skhug adom, skhug yarok and skhug khum, which has added tomatoes. Zhug may be referred to by the generic term harif. Also known as zhoug, it is a popular condiment at Israeli falafel and shawarma stands, and served with hummus.

Preparation

Zhug is made from fresh red or green hot peppers seasoned with coriander, garlic, salt, black cumin and various spices. Some also add caraway seed. Zhug may be red or green depending on the type of peppers used.
Traditional Yemeni cooks prepare sahawiq using two stones: a large stone called marha' used as a work surface and a smaller one called wdi for crushing the ingredients. Other alternatives are a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Yemenis sometimes add Pulicaria jaubertii.