Flavor of the Week: Skhug adds Middle Eastern heat

Skhug, also known as shug, zhug and sahawiq, is a hot sauce native to the Middle East. It was created by Yemenite Jews and is now ubiquitous in Israel. The condiment is made with chiles mixed with garlic, coriander, cumin and other spices and herbs, and traditionally accompanies falafel, shawarma, or grilled meats and vegetables. Though very spicy, it is sometimes mixed with yogurt to create a milder dip. Skhug is part of the growing popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine and has grown on U.S. menus by 75 percent over the past four years.