Muhammara is my new favourite dip. I'm in love with this spicy, sweet, smoky dip, and I know that if you make this muhammara recipe, you will be too.
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What is Muhammara?
Muhammara is a roasted red pepper dip. But it's so much more than just roasted red peppers. Muhammara is a Syrian recipe from the city of Aleppo. Along with roasted red peppers, this dip has toasted walnuts, pomegranate molasses, breadcrumbs, lemon, and spicy peppers.
Muhammara is a beautiful combination of spicy, nutty, sweet, tart, and smoky.
How Do You Pronounce Muhammara, Anyway?
Muhammara isn't hard to pronounce, once you have heard and said it a couple of times. Basically, it's MOO-Hammer_ah. Hear it for yourself on howtopronounce.comย , then practice saying the word while making this muhammara recipe, and you'll have it down pat.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
Pomegranate molasses is a key ingredient in this muhammara recipe. It is simply pomegranate juice, simmered until it's reduced and thickened. It can be difficult to find it in the store, depending on where you live. If your grocery store has international selections, that would be where to look. Otherwise, try a Middle East grocery, or on-line.
However, there is really no need to buy pomegranate molasses, because it is seriously easy to make. Simply bring pomegranate juice (either freshly squeezed or store-bought) to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat and simmer until it's reduced by half. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool. So simple.
How to Roast Peppers For The Recipe
The best way to roast peppers is in a very hot oven until they are soft and their skins are charred and blistered. You can also roast them over a hot flame on the stove-top, but they may not get soft enough before they are charred. And, if they do, they will release juices which can make a mess.
The oven method is simple and leaves your hands free to prep the rest of the recipe.
Once your peppers are tender and charred, either cover them with foil or put them in a bowl with a lid for 10 minutes to steam. This makes it very easy to slip the skins right off of the peppers.
How Spicy is this Muhammara Recipe?
Muhammara has at least a hint of spice, but you can make it as spicy as you like, or not. Typically, this dip is flavoured with an Aleppo spice blend, which has a moderate heat level. Aleppo peppers have slow-building heat, so it's best to start off with a little, taste, and wait a little while.
Like pomegranate molasses, you can find Aleppo spice blends on-line or at a Middle Eastern grocery store. You can also substitute harissa spice blend or Korean gochugaro spice blends. Or, if even those are hard to find, use equal parts Hungarian sweet paprika and red chili pepper flakes. (You may need to add extra salt if you go this route).
How To Eat This Spicy Red Pepper Dip
This muhammara recipe is a wonderful dip for vegetables, crackers, or pita bread. You can also use it as a spread for tacos, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches. It's wonderful in place of tzatziki for these Keftedes Pita Sandwiches. ย Use it in place of pizza sauce, and as a topping for grilled meats and chicken. Stir it into soups, or use it on a rice bowl.
How Long Does This Dip Recipe Keep?
You can store muhammara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It's best to serve this dip at room temperature or just slightly chilled, so bring it out of the fridge for 15-20 minutes before using it.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze muhammara. Just put it into an airtight freezer container and freeze in the portions that you like for up to a month. You can defrost it overnight in the fridge.
Want more Spreads & Dip Ideas?
Try another Middle Eastern dip recipe,ย Mutabbal (Eggplant Dip) this delicious Roasted Beet Hummus,ย a creamy Tzatziki or a tangyย Chimichurri Sauce
Recipe
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Muhammara Recipe - Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Ingredients
- 3 red bell peppers large
- 1 cup walnuts toasted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tbsp Aleppo spice blend or another mild spice blend such as harissa
- ยฝ lemon juice of
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- kosher salt
- ยฝ cup gluten free bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ยฐ
- Put whole peppers on a lightly oiled baking sheet, not touching
- Roast peppers 20 minutes, turning a couple of times
- Remove peppers from oven and put into a bowl with a lid (I use a plate), or cover with foil
- Allow the peppers to steam 10 minutes, then remove the cover and let them cool
- In a food processor, add the olive oil, spice mix, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, pomegranate molasses, and salt. Pulse to blend
- Add the cooled peppers and the walnuts to the food processor and pulse until the mixture is a texture that you like. (Don't over process)
- Add the breadcrumbs, and pulse again until blended
- Transfer the muhammara to a bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses
Jennifer
Addictively good dip! This is my first exposure to pomegranate molasses and I regret that I've missed out on it up until now. I was able to find it at the Syrian grocery just up the street in Victoria, BC. Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
Colleen
Hi Jennifer, you're welcome! So glad you loved the muhammara dip. Lucky you to have a Syrian grocery so close by. Thanks so much for commenting!
Sean@Diversivore
This looks incredible, and it's loaded with flavours that I really want to have more of in my life! I was reading a Georgian cookbook recently and EVERYTHING is made with walnuts, and it's really piqued my curiousity about using them in more dishes. This seems like a fantastic starting point! Cheers.
Colleen
Hi Sean. Yes, walnuts are amazing. This dip is just one example of that. We live where the walnuts grow, so I constantly look for ways to use them. Walnuts have a buttery, yet bitter flavour that needs to be celebrated more. I hope you give this awesome dip a try to start off your walnut journey. ๐
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Such a unique dip recipe, I love it! I'm always such a go-to hummus girl, I would love to try switching it up with something like this! Yum!
Colleen
Hi Katherine. I love hummus, too, but it's sure taking a back seat to Muhammara. It's worth a try for sure!
Fiona
This is right up my alley!! Love a good dip - can't wait to try this one!
Colleen
Hi Fiona, I know you're going to love this one!
Paula Montenegro
OH, I've been looking for this recipe for a long time and finally found it! It looks amazing and love that you describe it as smoky! Thanks for sharing.
Colleen
I'm so happy that you found it here, Paula. Enjoy!
Terri Gilson
This looks incredible. I have never tried this dip before, but can't wait to now - yummy!
Colleen
I'm happy to introduce this to you Terri. I know you will love it!
Kait | Slumber & Scones
This dip looks amazing! I am totally intrigued by the pomegranate molasses and walnuts in this. I can't wait to make this and bring to a party.
Colleen
Hi Kait, its a bit of a strange ingredient list, but wow does it ever work. Enjoy!
Jenn
I've never had a dip like this, but I love ALL those flavors. I've got a family event tomorrow, I'm going to make this, and maybe even I'll share!
Colleen
Hi Jenn. I know it will be a hit at your event, so you may have to share. ๐ Enjoy!
Beth
Oh, I can tell just by looking at these beautiful pictures that I am going to be in love with this, "spicy, sweet, smokey dip"!
Colleen
Thanks Beth! I guarantee you will be in love! ๐