Associated national cuisine Yemeni, Israeli | Place of origin Yemen | |
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Alternative names Sahawiq, saḥawiq, daqqus, daqqūs, sahowqa, skhug Variations Red sahawiq, green sahawiq, brown skhug Similar Jachnun, Amba, Malawach, Matbucha, Sabich | ||
Sahawiq (from Yemeni Arabic: سحاوق saḥawiq), (Hebrew: סחוג) is a Middle Eastern hot sauce originating in Yemeni cuisine. It is very popular in the Arabian Peninsula. In the gulf region it is also called daqqus (Arabic: دقوس, daqqūs). Brought to Israel by Yemenite Jews, the condiment is now a staple of Israeli cuisine.
Contents
Varieties
Sahawiq is made from fresh red or green hot peppers seasoned with coriander, garlic, salt, black cumin (optional) and various spices, the chief constituency being cumin, black pepper, 3 or 4 cardamom pods (seeds removed and crushed) and a dash of ground cloves. Some also add caraway seed. Its color may be red or green depending on the type of peppers used in its preparation. The respective varieties are called skhug adom ("red skhug") and skhug yarok ("green skhug") in Israel, while skhug chum ("brown skhug") is skhug yarok with tomatoes. In Israel, sahawiq is also sometimes referred to by the generic term harif (Hebrew: חריף; lit. "hot/spicy"). It is a popular condiment at Israeli falafel and shawarma stands, and served with hummus.
Preparation
Traditional Yemenite cooks prepare sahawiq using two stones: a large stone used as a work surface and a smaller one for crushing the ingredients. Other alternatives are a mortar and pestle or a food processor.
Medicinal properties
The Jews of Yemen ascribed medicinal properties to chili pepper. According to Yemenite Jewish folklore, the Jews of Yemen survived a great famine, subsisting on tomatoes, hilbeh (fenugreek), and chili peppers. According to another legend, a severe epidemic struck Yemen but the Jews were spared due to their extensive use of these foods. The chili pepper plant was believed to help the body withstand illness, improve vitality and aid digestion, as well as prevent and eliminate intestinal parasites.