Muhammara – Red Pepper and Walnut Dip
Muhammara is a Syrian red pepper dip. It’s nutty, slightly spiced, and has a very nice zing.
Every time we visit our favorite middle eastern place, we must order some Muhammara with pita. I occasionally make Muhammara at home and recently I made some so decided to document it. My recipe might not be authentic in any ways, but it’s the way I have made it and love it.
If you are looking for a different type of dip within your charcuterie board or cheese board, then you are at right place. I love to add some variation to cheese board, and this roasted red pepper and walnut dip cannot go wrong. Muhammara originated in Syria, and it’s made in many other countries too.
The key ingredients are roasted red pepper, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, breadcrumbs, some chili powder like paprika, processed and combined this makes a very nutty (walnuts), slightly tangy (thanks to pomegranate molasses), spicy (chili powder).
The texture can be varied. The one we have already tried is chunky and I like it that way too. If you plan to make this dip little bit smooth, its fine. It’s all about personal preference.
Roasted Red Peppers – I have used canned ones but you can easily roast them at home.
Walnuts – An important ingredient but I am sure you can sub it for other nuts. But walnuts are traditional.
Olive oil – You need a good quality of olive oil.
Breadcrumbs help thicken up the consistency.
Pomegranate molasses – It is an important ingredient traditionally, but if you do not have nor you want to buy it then use lemon. It is very concentrated pomegranate juice providing that sweet and tart flavor and so good in this dish and many other ways to use it.
Other ingredients include garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Traditional Muhammara is prepared in mortar and pestle. But I have used a food processor to keep things quick and easy. I would often serve it as dip for parties, but sometimes we make it for dinner with some homemade or store-bought pita bread, along with hummus and a Greek salad. It makes up for a full meal. Other ways to serve is mezze platter with pita bread, pita chips or vegetables to dip in.
Other ways I like it, with roasted veggies like Romesco sauce. Or layered for a sandwich.
Muhammara – Red Pepper and Walnut Dip
Ingredients
- 3 roasted red bell peppers
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup walnuts lightly roasted
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses or lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili flakes or paprika
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Mint or fresh herb to garnish
- Pomegranate Arils to garnish
- Some extra drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Take roasted red bell peppers, garlic clove, breadcrumbs, and walnuts in a food processor. Process it until everything is ground and then add rest of the ingredients and pulse it one more time until mixed. I like to keep it chunky for texture and as it is easy to scoop.
- Garnish with some oil, mint leaves, and pomegranate arils.