Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Muhammara, a delicious Middle Eastern dip, is often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, like hummus and baba ghanoush. But don’t let that fool you. This vibrant spread is packed with flavor and perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.

Despite its complex taste, making muhammara is surprisingly simple. With a few key ingredients, a quick roasting technique, and a food processor, you can quickly create this creamy, roasted pepper dip. I’ve left my muhammara a little chunky for added texture, but feel free to process it longer for a smoother consistency.

What is Muhammara?

Muhammara is a delicious and versatile Middle Eastern dip that often accompanies mezze platters. This flavorful spread is made with a combination of roasted red peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, spices, and a generous amount of pepper paste. Traditional muhammara uses pepper paste as a base, but my recipe adds a twist by incorporating fresh bell peppers. This not only adds a pleasing texture but also brings a brighter, fresher flavor to the dip, making it lighter and more enjoyable. The addition of 4 tablespoons of pepper paste in my recipe adds a rich, deep color and a bold, spicy kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Muhammara Ingredients

• Red Bell Peppers: Vibrant and sweet, roasted red bell peppers form the heart of Muhammara. Their natural sweetness and smoky undertones provide the perfect base for his flavorful spread. Use fresh, never out of a jar, unless you are short on time.
• Walnuts: Walnuts contribute a delightful nutty and earthy essence, adding texture and richness to Muhammara. Their crunch enhances the spread’s overall mouthfeel.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs subtly thicken the Muhammara, creating a smooth and velvety consistency. They play a supporting role in achieving the desired texture.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil, with its rich and fruity notes, forms the foundation of Muhammara. Its smooth texture and robust flavor enhance the spread’s overall luxuriousness.
• Shallot: Finely chopped shallots add a mild and aromatic depth to Muhammara. Their subtle onion flavor complements the sweetness of the red bell peppers.
• Pepper Paste: Pepper paste intensifies the pepper flavor in Muhammara, offering a hint of heat. It brings a concentrated burst of spiciness to balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
• Tahini Sauce: Creamy and nutty tahini sauce elevates Muhammara, contributing to its velvety texture and adding a distinct Middle Eastern flair to the spread.
• Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper, Salt (Spice Blend): A carefully crafted blend of coriander, cumin, black pepper, and salt infuses Muhammara with layers of flavor. Coriander’s citrusy notes, cumin’s warmth, black pepper’s spice, and salt’s balancing act create a well-rounded taste.
• Garnish—Extra Olive Oil and Walnuts: Drizzling olive oil over Muhammara adds a final layer of richness and a glossy sheen. When scattered on top, crushed or whole walnuts offer a delightful crunch and nutty essence.

How to Char Bell Peppers?

You can quickly char bell peppers in the oven on high broil. Then, adjust the shelf to be about 8 inches away from the broiler. Wash and dry the red peppers and rub some olive oil all over!

Lay the bell peppers on a tray and broil until charred on one side. After about 4 minutes, turn them around and char the other side. When done, take them out while hot and put them in a Ziplock bag. Close the bag and let them sweat for about 15 minutes. Wait until they are cool enough to handle. Then, peeling off the skin and discarding it should be easy. Next, cut the pepper in half, remove any seeds, and slice them.

How to Make Breadcrumbs?

To make homemade breadcrumbs, cut pita bread into small pieces and toast them in the oven until golden brown. Pulse the toasted pita in a food processor until it reaches your desired texture. Add herbs, spices, or cheese to the breadcrumbs for a flavorful twist before processing. If making homemade breadcrumbs isn’t feasible, store-bought plain breadcrumbs are a great alternative.

What to Serve with Muhammara?

After allowing your freshly made muhammara to cool and rest for about an hour, letting all the wonderful flavors meld together, it’s time to think about presentation and pairing. Muhammara makes an excellent appetizer, fitting in beautifully on a platter of varied dips. But it also shines as a standalone dish, offering a healthy and tasty option for dipping vegetables or pita chips. It’s wonderfully versatile, going just as well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, adding a burst of flavor wherever it’s served.

Check the ‘Tips and Notes’ section below for substitutions and additional information to perfect your Muhammara dip.