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    Zesty Cilantro and Parsley Chile Sauce

    clock-icon19 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A vibrant and flavorful sauce made with fresh herbs, spices, and chiles.

    Ingredients for Zesty Cilantro and Parsley Chile Sauce

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    serves
    1 peoplechevron
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    Coriander Seeds

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cumin Seeds

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cardamom Pods, seeds only

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fresh Hot Green Chiles, deribbed, seeded, roughly chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, smashed, peeled

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cilantro Leaves, lightly packed

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Flat-leaf Parsley Leaves, lightly packed

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cloves

    pinches

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Zest, finely grated

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Juice, fresh

    tablespoons

    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Zesty Cilantro and Parsley Chile Sauce

    1. Toast and grind the seeds

    Toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes, until they release a fragrant aroma. Transfer the toasted seeds to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and grind them into a fine powder.

    2. Process chiles and garlic

    Place the chopped chiles and smashed garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse these until they are fairly fine.

    3. Add herbs and spices

    Add the cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, the toasted and ground seeds, a pinch of ground cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor. Pulse everything together until you have a rough puree.

    4. Drizzle in olive oil

    With the motor running, drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Stop processing just before the mixture becomes completely blended.

    5. Adjust seasoning and store

    Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Store the finished sauce in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to one week.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Select the Best Herbs

    Choose vibrant, fresh cilantro and parsley with no wilting or yellowing, rinse and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent dilution of flavor in your sauce.

    Consider the Heat

    Start with less chile and add as needed, remove seeds and ribs for a milder sauce.

    Let It Marinate

    Allow the sauce to rest before serving to intensify and meld flavors, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

    Balance Your Flavors

    Achieve a harmony of heat, freshness, and acidity, adjusting with honey or lemon as needed for the perfect zesty chile sauce.

    Use Good Quality Olive Oil

    A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil contributes a fruity, peppery note that can enhance the sauce's taste.


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