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Discover the rich taste of Muhammara, a Middle Eastern dip blending sweet, tangy, and spicy notes from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and exotic spices. Ideal for snacks or part of a mezze spread.
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 2 red peppers (charred, peeled, and cut into large strips) | |
| 1 cup walnut | |
| ¾ cup breadcrumbs | |
| ½ cup olive oil | |
| 1 small shallot diced | |
| 2 tablespoons pepper paste | |
| 4 tablespoons pomegranate molasses | |
| 5 tablespoons tahini sauce | |
| ½ teaspoon coriander | |
| 1 teaspoon cumin | |
| ½ teaspoon black pepper | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| Extra olive oil and a few walnuts for garnishing |
Preparation
1
Preheat the oven on high broil. Wash and dry the red bell peppers and rub them with olive oil. Broil the peppers for 4 minutes per side, or until charred. Transfer the hot peppers to a Ziploc bag, seal the bag, and let them sweat for about 15 minutes.
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2
Peel and Prepare the Peppers
Once the peppers have cooled enough to handle, carefully peel off the charred skin and discard it. Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds and any remaining membranes, and slice them into large strips.
Make Homemade Breadcrumbs (Optional)
If desired, you can make homemade breadcrumbs by cutting half of a pita bread into small pieces and toasting them in the oven until golden brown. Process the toasted pita in a food processor to create breadcrumbs. Store-bought plain breadcrumbs can also be used.
3
Pulse the bell pepper strips in a small food processor until coarsely chopped. Process the walnuts in the same food processor until finely ground. Transfer the processed bell peppers to a large bowl and add the walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, diced shallot, pepper paste, pomegranate molasses, tahini sauce, coriander, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4
Allow the muhammara mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or up to overnight) to let the flavors fully develop. Serve the dip cold or at room temperature. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and garnish with whole walnuts for a touch of elegance. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful dip with warm pita bread or your favorite crackers.
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
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 personal taste preferences. Experiment and discover your favorite combination of flavors!
Storage:
Refrigerate: Place the muhammara in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to a week.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the muhammara. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving Suggestions:
Traditional Pairing: Serve Muhammara with warm pita bread or pita chips for a classic Middle Eastern combination.
Healthy Dipping: Use Muhammara as a healthy and flavorful dip for sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers.
Sandwich Spread: Spread Muhammara on your sandwiches or wraps for a delicious and unique flavor boost.
Make-Ahead:
Muhammara is a fantastic make-ahead recipe. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This is perfect for planning ahead and ensures you have a delicious dip ready to serve whenever you need it.
Rana’s Notes!
Remember, the texture of the muhammara can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a smoother dip, simply process the bell peppers and walnuts longer until they reach your desired consistency. This tasty dip is a fantastic addition to any mezze spread, alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolmas. Enjoy!