Whereas selfmade hummus is a staple in my kitchen, my precise favourite dip of all time is muhammara. Originating in Syria and fashionable all through the Levantine, muhammara is a sweet-smoky-tangy dip. It’s constructed from roasted pink bell peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, bread crumbs, olive oil, and Aleppo pepper. And it’s SO good.

Plus, it’s made with solely a few substances and takes quarter-hour to make, but the flavors are so phenomenal your tastebuds might be dancing. 

Scoop it up with heat pita and indulge on this extremely underrated (and nutritious) dip.

Desk of Contents:
1. What’s muhammara?
2. Why this recipe works 
3. Ingredient notes
4. Step-by-step directions
5. Suggestions for making this recipe
6. Tips on how to use muhammara
7. Ceaselessly Requested Questions
8. Recipe card with notes

What’s muhammara?

Muhammara is a roasted pink pepper and walnut dip that originated in Aleppo, Syria however is fashionable in lots of Center Jap nations, together with Turkey and Lebanon. 

Regional variations abound. For instance, Lebanese muhammara could embrace tomato paste or sumac, whereas different variations could skip the lemon juice or cumin. 

However the major substances stay the identical throughout the board: roasted pink peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, Aleppo pepper, and olive oil.

They’re crucial for the signature subtly candy and smoky flavors and creamy, nutty texture.

Why this recipe works 

Unimaginable taste 

The rationale I like muhammara much more than hummus is that it has a fancy mix of one of the best flavors. 

It’s tangy, candy, smoky, spicy, and nutty, and that makes for an addictive combo. My model of this fashionable Center Jap dip makes use of a beneficiant quantity of each walnuts and pomegranate molasses, making it really feel wealthy with simply the correct amount of zingy tang.

Indulgent but healthful  

You’d by no means guess this dip is definitely good for you after the primary chunk. It has an expensive physique, a significantly nutty taste, and a wealthy mouthfeel, making it really feel extra like an indulgent deal with. 

However with omega-3-rich walnuts and vitamin-rich pink bell peppers being the muse of the recipe, the dip is surprisingly healthful!

Fast and straightforward 

Historically, muhammara is made with a mortar and pestle. You’ll be able to persist with this conventional methodology if you would like, however for a contemporary gal like me, a meals processor will get the job carried out in only one minute. 

One other nice solution to save time right here (with out sacrificing taste) is to go for jarred roasted pink peppers as an alternative of smoking or roasting the entire bell peppers your self.

This manner, the one “cooking” required is briefly toasting the walnuts and bread crumbs (5-ish minutes). 

Utilizing a meals processor + choosing jarred roasted peppers = your new favourite dip is prepared from begin to end in quarter-hour or much less! 

Ingredient notes 

Roasted pink bell peppers

The key behind muhammara’s vibrant red-orange colour and refined smoky taste. 

It’s conventional to char your individual bell peppers within the oven or over a gasoline flame (and there are oven directions within the recipe card). However in my assessments, I discovered that jarred roasted pink bell peppers produce extraordinarily scrumptious outcomes as nicely. 

Choose to save lots of time? Go for jarred peppers. Choose to save lots of a couple of {dollars}? Roast the bell peppers your self.

Utilizing jarred peppers? Don’t rinse them, as this can take away a few of their smoky, marinated flavors. As an alternative, pat the peppers dry earlier than mixing as a result of they launch fairly a little bit of liquid and also you don’t need the dip to get watery.

Walnuts

The second star ingredient in muhammara! Toasted and blended walnuts give this dip a luscious, indulgent texture. 

Substitute: Walnuts are conventional on this recipe so there aren’t many nice substitutes. If allergic to nuts, strive a nut-free dip as an alternative, like beet hummus, tzatziki, or aioli. 

Bread crumbs 

Bread crumbs in muhammara add one other layer of texture. They’re why this dip is understood for being chunky slightly than fully easy.

I all the time have panko bread crumbs readily available, in order that’s what I exploit right here. They’re pretty massive and crispy, which provides plenty of texture and physique to the dip. Should you choose a smoother texture, use advantageous bread crumbs (or simply mix the dip extra). 

Making your individual breadcrumbs takes a couple of additional minutes however is a superb approach to make use of up any leftover bread you don’t wish to waste (use this tutorial to make selfmade bread crumbs). 

Substitute: Gluten free? Merely omit the bread crumbs, use gluten-free bread crumbs, or exchange the bread crumbs with an additional ¼ cup (28g) of walnuts. 

Pomegranate molasses  

It is a tremendous particular but underrated ingredient I feel ought to be in everybody’s pantry. It’s a thick tangy syrup constructed from boiled pomegranate juice that strikes the right stability of tart and candy. Its distinctive taste is what makes muhammara additional particular. 

Suggestions for getting: Pomegranate molasses is bought on-line or at Center Jap grocers. Search for pure pomegranate molasses constructed from solely 100% pomegranate juice.

I’ve tried at the very least half a dozen manufacturers, and the Al Wadi *all pure* model is arms down one of the best (affiliate hyperlinks). My favourite spice model Burlap & Barrel simply launched a pomegranate molasses too (haven’t tried it however I’m positive it’s nice). Attempt to keep away from manufacturers like this that add sugar, as it may well make the dip too candy.

Substitute: Should you can’t discover this, you may have two choices: (1) scale back some pomegranate juice in a pan till it’s very viscous and thick (directions right here), OR (2) exchange it with some lemon juice and just a bit maple syrup for a refined sweetness. The latter gained’t produce the identical complexity in taste however will nonetheless be tasty. 

Aleppo pepper 

Muhammara dip originated in Aleppo, Syria, dwelling of the Aleppo pepper. Sadly, tens of millions of {dollars} value of Aleppo pepper crops had been destroyed within the devastating Syrian Civil Conflict. So the Aleppo pepper you’ll discover within the U.S. shouldn’t be true Syrian Aleppo pepper anymore, although there are nonetheless some respectable variations. 

Aleppo chile pepper flakes have a mild-to-medium warmth. Whereas they do give this recipe a slight kick, it’s their delicate, fruity, and barely earthy flavors and beautiful oily texture that actually make the distinction. 

Suggestions for getting: Bought on-line or at Center Jap grocers. . I like this model (affiliate hyperlink), in addition to Burlap and Barrel’s related Silk Chili.

Substitute: Use ¼ to ½ the quantity of pink pepper flakes, or strive one other delicate chili flake like gochugaru. 

Step-by-step directions

Toast the walnuts in a big frying pan over medium warmth till calmly golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Add the bread crumbs and toast for 3 extra minutes or till golden brown, stirring continuously.

Switch the nuts and bread crumbs to a meals processor together with the garlic.

Mix till the whole lot is damaged down into advantageous crumbs.

Now add the drained jarred roasted peppers (or selfmade roasted peppers), pomegranate molasses, olive oil, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, cumin, and kosher salt.

Pulse till the dip is usually easy however nonetheless a bit chunky.

Give it a style and modify the flavors as wanted (add extra pomegranate molasses or lemon for tang, or salt to spherical out the opposite flavors). 

Switch the dip to a serving plate. Use the again of a spoon to create waves within the dip, then drizzle olive oil excessive. Garnish with chopped walnuts and contemporary mint and optionally pomegranate seeds. Get pleasure from!

Suggestions for making this recipe 

At all times toast the walnuts and bread crumbs

TLDR: Don’t you dare use uncooked walnuts! 

Plain walnuts and bread crumbs are advantageous, however taking 5 minutes to toast them is 100% value it. Warmth attracts out the important oils within the walnuts, remodeling them from bitter and waxy to nutty and scrumptious.  

The bread crumbs are additionally a lot tastier after toasting. It’s extra frequent to toast them individually, however I’ve discovered that you may toast them in the identical pan because the nuts so long as you stir continuously. 

Don’t skip the pomegranate molasses 

Whereas this ingredient is a bit more durable to seek out, it’s important in muhammara and actually makes an enormous distinction. It’s the explanation this muhammara is so addictively tangy and simply the right quantity of candy.

It’s additionally the key enjoyable ingredient that makes my Crispy Toasted Quinoa Salad one of the best quinoa recipe I’ve ever tried. 

Go away some texture behind

Muhammara isn’t meant to be completely easy like hummus. It’s extra of a country dip with a number of physique and a barely chunky texture.

I like to make use of the pulse operate on my meals processor as an alternative of the mix operate so I don’t by chance over-blend it. After all, texture is a private desire, so in the event you choose a very easy dip, simply let your meals processor run on mix mode for a pair minutes.  

Season to style 

My muhammara recipe is on the tart facet as a result of I really like that stability of taste. Should you don’t, begin with much less pomegranate molasses or wait so as to add the lemon juice till after mixing. Style, then modify as wanted.

And all the time modify to your style. Should you love cumin or garlic, don’t be shy about including extra. 

Make it a part of your weekly meal prep!

This dip will keep good within the fridge for a few week, so you may whip up a batch on Sunday and luxuriate in it all through the week (see the following part for a great deal of inspiration on how you can use it). 

Tips on how to use muhammara

Identical to most vegan dips, you may gown up muhammara on a serving platter with all of the garnishes you may think about. I like a drizzle of olive oil, crushed walnuts, contemporary mint leaves, and pomegranate seeds in the event that they’re in season. It’s also possible to prime with finely chopped roasted pink peppers and chopped parsley, or roasted garlic cloves and za’atar. 

Muhammara can be a terrific alternative to make a mezze platter. Construct the platter with different dips, like hummus, beet hummus, tzatziki, white bean dip, or aioli. Serve the dips with crackers, pita or crusty bread, and crudités with olives, roasted nuts, cheeses, and contemporary fruit on the facet.

The leftover dip is improbable on sandwiches and burgers (main improve from ketchup + mustard)! For an epic sandwich, layer the muhammara-dressed bread with pan-fried tofu, roasted or grilled eggplant or zucchini, and sliced cucumbers and radishes.

Or, unfold on lavash bread or tortillas. Prime with sprouts or salad greens drizzled with olive oil, pickled greens, and vegan feta. Be happy so as to add roasted chickpeas for additional protein.

Any leftovers can be utilized up in your favourite grain bowl. The dip is so flavorful that it’s assured to make even a easy bowl of lentils and grains shine!

Ceaselessly Requested Questions 

Should you liked this Muhammara recipe, please make sure to go away a score and evaluation beneath! It’s all the time a lot appreciated 🙂 

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Muhammara (Roasted Crimson Pepper Dip)

Say hey to your new favourite dip—Muhammara! This roasted pink pepper and walnut dip comes collectively in simply quarter-hour however rewards you with addictively scrumptious sweet-smoky-tangy flavors and wealthy nuttiness. Get pleasure from with heat pita, as a part of a mezze platter, unfold on a sandwich or wrap, or dollop on a grain bowl.

• Drain the jarred roasted pink peppers however don’t rinse, as it may well water down the dip. Pat dry peppers with a clear towel to take away as a lot moisture as you may, then tear them into items together with your arms. If utilizing contemporary bell peppers, see Observe 1.

• Put aside 1 or 2 walnuts for the garnish and finely chop them.

• Warmth a big frying pan over medium warmth. As soon as sizzling, add the walnuts and toast for 3 minutes or till aromatic, stirring often. Now add the breadcrumbs and toast for 3 extra minutes, or till walnuts are fragrant and breadcrumbs are golden brown, stirring continuously (don’t stroll away–the breadcrumbs will burn). Take off the warmth.

• In a meals processor, mix the walnut-breadcrumb combination and the chopped garlic. Mix till the whole lot is damaged down in advantageous crumbs.

• To the meals processor, add the drained roasted peppers, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, cumin, and salt.

• Use the pulse operate and pulse repeatedly till the dip is usually easy however nonetheless a bit chunky. Style, including extra pomegranate molasses or lemon for tang, or salt to season.Observe: Should you choose a wholly easy consistency, use the mix operate and mix till easy.

• Switch the dip to a serving plate and use the again of a spoon to create waves within the dip. Drizzle some good-quality olive oil on prime, garnish with reserved finely chopped walnuts and non-compulsory toppings, equivalent to contemporary mint and pomegranate seeds.

1. If utilizing contemporary bell peppers, observe these directions.
   1. Organize a rack within the prime third of the oven. Preheat oven to 450ºF/230ºC. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper, because the peppers will get sticky.
   2. Lower 3 medium or massive pink bell peppers in half, lengthwise. Take away seeds, membranes, and stem. Organize peppers on the lined pan, lower facet down.
   3. Roast for 12 to fifteen minutes, then rotate the pan 180º. Roast for 10 to fifteen minutes, or till the highest skins are charred and peppers have softened.
   4. Switch the peppers to a big bowl and canopy tightly with plastic wrap. Steam for 10 minutes.
      Use your arms to peel the skins from the peppers. Slice the peppers into strips.
   5. If making forward of time, retailer peppers in a container within the fridge for five to six days. NOTE: You could want so as to add a bit extra salt when utilizing freshly roasted peppers. 
2. Gluten free? (1) Use gluten-free bread crumbs; (2) omit them totally; OR (3) exchange them with an additional ¼ cup (28g) of walnuts.
3. Utilizing good-quality 100% pure pomegranate molasses is important for a great muhammara. Al Wadi Pomegranate Molasses is my favourite (affiliate hyperlink). It’s also possible to purchase pomegranate molasses at Center Jap markets. Should you can, keep away from manufacturers which have added sugar, because it often makes the molasses much less tart and extra candy.

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