Afghan Green Sauce: A Flavorful Addition to Your Recipes

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Pickles and chutneys including Afghan green sauce are the inseparable part of Afghans meals, no doubt. People in Afghanistan are accustomed to serving every dish with some side dishes and complete their joy of eating with the sore and spicy taste. One of the most popular afghan chutneys is called cilantro sauce. It is a fantastic choice to serve with different afghan foods such as Kabuli pulao, Kebabs, or Bolani.

Preparing cilantro sauce has no difficulty, and you can make it in less than one hour. It is a kind of cilantro paste with some routine ingredients like vinegar. If you are passionate about trying this afghan dipping sauce, follow me till the end to make a perfect side dish for yourself.

Table of Contents

History of Afghan Cilantro Sauce

Afghan cuisine is a rich amalgamation of influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. This mixture of cultures has led to a diverse range of flavors and ingredients. Cilantro, a key ingredient in the sauce, has been used in various forms across these regions for centuries.

The concept of blending herbs and spices to create sauces is not unique to Afghanistan but is common across many cultures. In Afghan cuisine, sauces and chutneys are often used to enhance the flavor of rice dishes, kebabs, and bread.

How to make Afghan green sauce?

Ingredients

As the name reveals, afghan cilantro chutney is based on herbs and its ingredients are easy to find.

3 cups fresh cilantro, packed, washed
3 cups fresh parsley, packed, washed
5 cloves garlic
⅓ cup raw walnuts
120 gr green chili peppers, seeds removed
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 cup white vinegar

Directions

There are different versions of this spicy kebab sauce recipe. But they are mostly similar to each other, and you may find some tiny differences. By the way, let’s start!

Step One

For the first step, put the cilantro, parsley, walnuts, green chili peppers, salt, and black pepper into a blender or food processor, and mix them well to get a finely chopped mixture. Repeat it as many times as needed.

Step Two

Then add the garlic cloves, and blend again. Just be careful not to puree.

Step Three

Little by little, add the vinegar until it becomes a fairly thick sauce.

Step Four

That’s it! Your afghan cilantro chutney is quite ready. Pour it into a jar, filling it no more than ¾ full. The sauce is at first vibrant green and will darken over time. Do not cover the jar to let the chutney breathe overnight in the fridge.

Step Five

After one day, cover it with a lid. If you want to use a metal lid for your cilantro sauce, wrap it with a plastic, so the metal does not rust and leach into the jar. You can store this sauce in a glass jar in the fridge for about 4 months.

Note: You can also add extra ingredients such as mint leaves, fresh ginger, cumin seeds, ground turmeric, and even sugar if you desire.

I hope you enjoyed this easy cilantro sauce recipe, and I am excited to read about your experiences with it. So do not forget to write about your cilantro sauce in the comments!

How to Use Afghan Green Sauce?

Afghan cilantro sauce is wonderfully versatile and can enhance your meals in many ways:

As a Condiment: Drizzle over grilled meats, kabobs, or roasted vegetables for a burst of fresh flavor.
As a Dip: Enjoy with naan bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for a delicious dipping experience.
In Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a zesty, herbaceous kick.
With Rice Dishes: Spoon over rice or biryani to add a vibrant, tangy element.
In Salads: Mix into salads or use as a dressing for a flavorful twist.
With Eggs: Top scrambled eggs or omelets for an extra layer of taste.
In Marinades: Use in marinades for chicken, beef, or tofu to infuse fresh, spicy flavors.
As a Topping: Drizzle over grilled fish, seafood, or even pizza to enhance with a fresh, herby flavor.

FAQs about Afghan Green Sauce

What dishes pair well with Afghan cilantro sauce?

It pairs well with grilled meats, kabobs, rice dishes, naan bread, and as a dip for vegetables or samosas.

How do I store cilantro sauce?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for up to a week.

Is Afghan green sauce spicy?

The spiciness of Afghan cilantro sauce can vary depending on the amount and type of green chilies used. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.

What are cilantro sauce ingredients?

It is made of fresh cilantro, fresh parsely, garlic, vinegar, bell pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Afghan cilantro Sauce recipe

Recipe by Sara ShademaniCourse: SidesCuisine: AfghanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

Resting Time

hours

cilantro sauce is an Afghan chutney served with almost every dish in Afghanistan. making it is so easy and possible with this recipe.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh cilantro, packed, washed
3 cups fresh parsley, packed, washed
5 cloves garlic
⅓ cup raw walnuts
120 gr green chili peppers, seeds removed
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 cup white vinegar

Directions

Put the cilantro, parsley, walnuts, green chili peppers, salt, and black pepper into a blender or food processor, and mix them well to get a finely chopped mixture. Repeat it as many times as needed.
Then add the garlic cloves, and blend again. Just be careful not to puree.
Little by little, add the vinegar until it becomes a fairly thick sauce.
Pour it into a jar, filling it no more than ¾ full. The sauce is at first vibrant green and will darken over time. Do not cover the jar to let the chutney breathe overnight in the fridge. After one day, cover it with a lid. If you want to use a metal lid for your cilantro sauce, wrap it with a plastic, so the metal does not rust and leach into the jar. You can store this sauce in a glass jar in the fridge for about 4 months.