This Is the "Best Damn Thing at Trader Joe's" According to Chef Fatima Ali

Fans have pretty much always devoured whatever Chef Fatima Ali was serving: The Bravo's Top Chef contestant became the season 15 Fan Favorite, after all. And within three hours of her suggestion this week that she might want to write a book as she lives with her terminal cancer diagnosis, close to 10,000 fans said they would buy it.

So yeah, if you think Fati's fans would like to know what exactly she loves to buy at Trader Joe's — well, you'd definitely be right about that. And now, thanks to the magic of Instagram (where, yes, we low-key stalk the chef), we know what it is. That would be Trader Joe's Zhoug sauce.

New this year at TJ's, it's a spicy, cilantro-based sauce or condiment that's kind of like the pesto of the Middle East. 

"It’s a sauce that’s taking the internet by storm — from food blogs to social media feeds, Zhoug is having its moment in the digital sun," the grocery chain wrote on its site back in February as it introduced it. "And it's about to have its moment in our stores!"

A "California vendor well-versed in the art and science of Middle Eastern foods" makes the product for TJs, with an ingredient list of cilantro, canola oil, jalapeño peppers, chile flakes, garlic, cardamom, sea salt, and cumin seeds. And that's it. 

Try the 90-calorie TJ's Zhoug as a dip for vegetable crudités or pita bread or chips; use it on sandwiches; on pasta; or alongside protein like meat or fish.

And now you know. Thanks, Fati! We'll expect a chapter in the book on your preferred usage.

Photo: Fatima Ali/Instagram