Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

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Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

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April 8, 2023
April 8, 2023

Dilip Barman

Dilip Barman

Description

Originally from Syria, muhammara, also known as acuka, is a red bell pepper-based dip that can be made spicy. It’s a great dip or spread. It’s easy to make and versatile to use.
Traditionally made with olive oil, my version is healthier and full of flavor. Traditionally this is often garnished with mint or parsley, but I prefer no garnish or any arbitrary contrasting item like a rosemary sprig if just for visual interest. While it’s key in this recipe to pulse the ingredients to keep texture, you can try instead pureeing for a different smooth dip. Enjoy this with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It stores well in the refrigerator for 5-7 days and for several months frozen.

  • ✓ 2 medium red bell peppers
  • ✓ 4T bread crumbs; I use panko bread crumbs but you can certainly use bread a day or two past its prime that has hardened a bit and cut it into chunks
  • ✓ 1 t ground cumin
  • ✓ 1 t salt
  • ✓ 1⁄2 t freshly ground black pepper
  • ✓ 1 clove garlic
  • ✓ 1/3 cup walnuts
  • ✓ 1T lemon juice
  • ✓ 2T pomegranate molasses
  • ✓ (optional; more if you want the heat) 1⁄2 t red chili flakes
  • ✓ (optional) 2T hemp seeds
  • ✓ (optional) 12 fresh oregano leaves or about 1⁄2 t dried oregano
  1. (optional) 12 fresh oregano leaves or about 1⁄2 t dried oregano
  2. While waiting for the pepper, put the rest of the ingredients, except the hemp seeds and oregano, in a food processor or blender. Quickly combine by pulsing, aiming to keep the dip textured and not homogenized.
  3. Let the pepper nicely absorb flavor but wait at least until the pepper is cool enough to handle. Put it under running cold water and with your fingers gently peel away the charred skin. Roughly chop the flesh, discarding (composting) the stem, seeds, and membranes, and toss into the blender/processor with the other ingredients and pulse again. The red of the pepper should dominate now and large pieces of pepper should not remain.
  4. Mix in or sprinkle atop the optional hemp seeds and oregano.

This makes 4-6 servings

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