Hey, Welcome to the Cava Skhug Recipe. Cava Skhug is a bold, spicy Middle Eastern sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and hot peppers.
If you’ve ever had it with Mediterranean bowls or pita sandwiches, you already know how fiery, zesty, and refreshing it tastes.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this vibrant recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Category: Sauce
History and Origin
Skhug, also called zhug, originated in Yemen and spread across the Middle East through Jewish and Arab communities.
It became a beloved condiment, prized for its spicy, herbaceous flavor, and today it’s commonly enjoyed with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
What does Cava Skhug taste like?
Cava Skhug has a bold, fiery taste with fresh herbs balancing the heat of chili peppers.
It’s garlicky, tangy, and earthy with hints of lemon and cumin, creating a zesty, vibrant sauce that livens up any Mediterranean-inspired meal instantly.
By the way, you can also try the Golo Granola Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Cava Skhug Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jalapeños or hot chili peppers | 4–5 (stems removed) |
| Fresh cilantro | 1 cup packed |
| Fresh parsley | 1 cup packed |
| Garlic cloves | 4 large |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | ½ cup |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Cava Skhug Recipe:
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Airtight jar for storage
How to Make Cava Skhug Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Wash herbs, peel garlic, and remove stems from the chili peppers. Roughly chop them for easier blending.
Step 2: Blend the mixture
In a food processor, combine herbs, chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
Step 3: Add olive oil
While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the sauce reaches a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Taste the skhug and adjust salt, lemon juice, or spice level as per your preference.
Step 5: Store properly
Transfer into an airtight jar and refrigerate. As the flavors combine, it tastes even better the next day.
Recipe Card
Cava Skhug Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash herbs, peel garlic, and remove stems from the chili peppers. Roughly chop them for easier blending.
- In a food processor, combine herbs, chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
- While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the sauce reaches a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency.
- Taste the skhug and adjust salt, lemon juice, or spice level as per your preference.
- Transfer into an airtight jar and refrigerate. As the flavors combine, it tastes even better the next day.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Skhug Cava Recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Cava Skhug is perfect as a topping for grain bowls, falafel wraps, and pita sandwiches.
You can also enjoy it with hummus, roasted meats, or grilled vegetables, adding vibrant spice and freshness to transform everyday meals into something special.
Storage Tips
Store Cava Skhug in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze small portions in ice cube trays, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw before using to enjoy its bold, fresh flavor.
Variations of Cava Skhug
There are several ways to customize your Cava Skhug depending on your taste. You can make it red by using red chili peppers or add green bell peppers for a milder version.
Some people like to add cardamom or coriander seeds for a deeper aroma. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
Tips for Perfect Cava Skhug
To make your Cava Skhug taste amazing, always use fresh herbs. Avoid over-blending, as the sauce should have a slightly coarse texture.
Adjust the lemon juice and salt after chilling, since flavors develop over time. And remember, good-quality olive oil brings out the best flavor in this recipe.
How to Control the Spice Level
If you love mild flavors, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending. For a medium heat level, use fewer peppers or choose jalapeños instead of serranos.
If you want it fiery, keep the seeds or even add a pinch of red chili flakes to intensify the spice.
Pairing Ideas with Cava Skhug
Cava Skhug Recipe pairs beautifully with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Try it as a drizzle over shawarma, grilled chicken, or roasted lamb.
It also works great as a dip for pita bread, or as a dressing for fresh salads, grain bowls, and even scrambled eggs for a spicy twist.
Health Benefits of Cava Skhug
Cava Skhug Recipe isn’t just flavorful—it’s also healthy. The herbs are rich in antioxidants, and garlic supports heart health.
Chili peppers help boost metabolism, while olive oil provides healthy fats. It’s a great way to add nutrition to your meals without any processed ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Cava Skhug Recipe because it’s quick, versatile, and adds instant flavor to any meal. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients, yet it tastes gourmet.
Whether you’re a spice lover or just exploring new global flavors, this Cava Skhug will become your favorite homemade condiment.
Conclusion
This Cava Skhug Recipe is fresh, spicy, and easy to make at home. You’ll love how it instantly elevates your meals with bold Middle Eastern flavors.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Cava Skhug made of?
It is made from chili peppers, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices.
Is Cava Skhug very spicy?
Yes, it’s spicy, but you can control the heat by using fewer peppers or milder ones.
How do you serve Cava Skhug?
It’s served as a condiment with bowls, pita wraps, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Can I freeze Cava Skhug?
Yes, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
Is Skhug vegan?
Yes, it is naturally vegan since it uses only herbs, peppers, oil, and spices.
You will also like the Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad Recipe.
1 thought on “Cava Skhug Recipe”