Shatta (Egyptian Fresh Chili Sauce)

Shatta is Egypt’s everyday hot sauce — a bright, garlicky blend of fresh and dried chilies that shows up on nearly every table alongside ful medames and grilled meats. It takes minutes to make and keeps for weeks.

Ingredients

• 6-8 red chili peppers (such as Fresno or cayenne), stemmed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Blend the chilies
   Combine chili peppers, garlic, and cilantro in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add the seasonings
   Add olive oil, vinegar, cumin, and salt, and pulse again until you reach a coarse, spoonable sauce.
3. Rest before serving
   Let the shatta sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors combine, tasting and adjusting salt or vinegar as needed.
4. Store
   Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate; the flavor deepens after a day.

Spoon it over eggs, beans, grilled meat, or anything that needs a spicy kick.