Muhammara – Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip

Muhammara might not get the same spotlight as hummus or baba ghanoush, but once you try it, it just might become your favorite. This bold, smoky red pepper and walnut dip is a staple in Middle Eastern kitchens—perfect for snacking, spreading, or starting any meal with a burst of flavor.

What do I love most? It tastes complex but is incredibly easy to make. With a quick roast and a spin in the food processor, you’ve got a rich, tangy dip ready to go. I like mine a bit chunky for texture, but you can blend it smoother if that’s your style.

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.

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.

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 it.

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.

Substitutions:

• Pomegranate Molasses: If you can’t find pomegranate molasses, a simple substitute is to combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of honey. This mixture will provide the necessary sweetness and tanginess.
• Pepper Paste: If pepper paste is unavailable, tomato paste can be used as a substitute. However, be aware that this will slightly alter the flavor profile. Tomato paste offers a sweeter and less spicy option compared to traditional pepper paste.
• Fresh Red Peppers: If fresh red peppers are difficult to find, jarred roasted red peppers can be used instead. Just make sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove any excess brine before using them in the recipe.

Remember, these substitutions are approximations and may not provide the exact flavor profile of the original recipe. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Variations:

• Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your muhammara for an extra kick of heat.
• Looking for more texture? Incorporate some additional chopped walnuts into the final mix to create a delightful contrast between the smooth dip and the crunchy walnuts.
• Love fresh herbs? Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or mint over the finished muhammara for a refreshing and aromatic touch.

These simple variations allow you to customize your muhammara to your taste preferences. Experiment and discover your favorite combination of flavors!

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.