Irresistible Muhammara Recipe: The Ultimate Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Muhammara captures the vibrant essence of Mediterranean culinary artistry, converting humble ingredients into a sensational flavor experience.

Roasted peppers whisper stories of ancient kitchens and generations of passionate cooks.

Deeply complex and unexpectedly smooth, this crimson-hued dip dances between sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy profiles.

Nutty undertones create a rich landscape that awakens taste buds with each generous scoop.

Crafted from simple yet powerful ingredients, its texture speaks of comfort and celebration.

Warmth radiates through every bite, inviting connections and sparking conversations around shared plates.

Prepare to convert ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary memories.

Why Muhammara Is the Dip You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Roast and Elevate: Transforming simple bell peppers and walnuts through roasting intensifies their natural flavors, creating a deep, nutty, smoky foundation for this vibrant dip.
• Pulse to Perfection: Easy food processor technique allows quick blending of ingredients, making this recipe beginner-friendly and achievable for home cooks with minimal culinary skills.
• Middle Eastern Magic: Authentic Syrian-inspired spread featuring bold ingredients like pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper delivers an exotic, complex taste profile that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with healthy fats from walnuts, low in cholesterol, and providing fiber and protein, this versatile dip offers a nutritious alternative to traditional heavy appetizers.

The Simple Ingredients Behind This Bold Spread

• Red Bell Peppers: Sweet peppers that form the base of the dip with rich roasted flavor. Fresh peppers provide the best taste and texture.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic punch to the muhammara. Fresh cloves deliver more robust flavor than pre-minced options.

• Walnuts, Breadcrumbs: Provide creamy texture and nutty depth to the spread. Toasted walnuts enhance the overall richness. Use fresh breadcrumbs for best results.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Pomegranate Molasses, Aleppo Pepper, Salt, Cumin, Sugar: Balanced seasoning components that create complex flavor profile. Pomegranate molasses adds sweet-tart dimension. Aleppo pepper offers mild, fruity heat. Fresh spices ensure maximum flavor intensity.

How to Blend the Perfect Roasted Pepper Dip

Step 1: Roast Red Peppers

If using fresh peppers, roast over a gas flame or under the broiler until the skin turns completely black. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes. Carefully peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and tear into thin strips.

Step 2: Toast Crunchy Walnuts

Spread walnuts evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped, setting aside for garnish.

Step 3: Blend Flavorful Ingredients

• Roasted pepper strips
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Bread crumbs
• Olive oil
• Pomegranate molasses
• Aleppo pepper
• Salt
• Cumin
• Sugar

Pulse the mixture until it becomes smooth with a slightly chunky texture.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the muhammara to a serving bowl. Drizzle with additional pomegranate molasses and sprinkle the reserved toasted walnuts on top. Serve with pita bread or crackers for a delightful appetizer.

Tips for Creamy, Nutty, Tangy Perfection

• Roast Peppers Perfectly: Choose bell peppers with thick, sturdy walls for easy roasting and maximum flavor development.
• Toast Walnuts Carefully: Watch nuts closely during toasting to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Boost Texture Variety: Keep some walnut chunks in the final blend for added crunch and rustic Middle Eastern authenticity.
• Balance Flavor Levels: Adjust pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper to match your personal spice and sweetness preferences.
• Chill for Depth: Let muhammara rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Store It Smooth and Keep It Zingy

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover muhammara to an airtight container and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the dip's vibrant flavors and creamy texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the container with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Muhammara can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing its quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Bring muhammara to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Stir gently to restore its original consistency. If needed, add a small drizzle of olive oil to revive its moisture and refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as this can break down the delicate texture of the dip.

What to Scoop, Dip, or Spread with Muhammara

• Crunch and Sip Companions: Pair this rich muhammara dip with crisp pita chips or freshly sliced cucumber rounds for a delightful textural contrast that balances the spread's intense flavor profile.
• Wine Wisdom Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Viognier or an off-dry Riesling, which will complement the dip's tangy pomegranate and roasted pepper notes without overwhelming its delicate spices.
• Mezze Magic Combo: Serve alongside other Mediterranean small plates like hummus, dolmas, and grilled halloumi cheese to create a vibrant, shareable spread that highlights the muhammara's authentic Middle Eastern roots.
• Herbal Harmony Addition: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or mint on top to brighten the dip's deep, nutty flavors and add a clean, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the walnuts and olive oil.

Ways to Reinvent This Middle Eastern Favorite

• Grilled Veggie Muhammara: Swap roasted peppers with grilled zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers for a smoky summer vegetable dip.
• Spicy Herb Blend: Add fresh cilantro, mint, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to intensify the flavor profile and create a zingier version.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace walnuts with pistachios or almonds for a unique texture and slightly different nutty undertone.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Incorporate roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds to enhance protein content and create a more substantial spread for plant-based diets.

Muhammara Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Muhammara, a rich Syrian roasted pepper dip, brings Mediterranean warmth to appetizer tables with its complex blend of roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Spicy, smoky, and subtly sweet, you’ll savor this silky spread that elevates simple breads and vegetables into a gourmet experience.

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Ingredients

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Peppers and Nuts:

• 2 medium red bell peppers (around 1 pound / 454 grams total), or 1.5 cups jarred roasted red peppers, drained
• 0.5 cup (60 grams) walnuts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon granulated sugar

Other Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove
• Juice from 0.5 small lemon
• 0.5 cup (60 grams) fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pomegranate molasses, plus extra for serving

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Instructions

1. Carefully char red bell peppers directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin turns completely black and blistered, rotating periodically to ensure even charring.
2. Transfer the charred peppers to a sealed bowl or container, allowing them to steam for 10-15 minutes, which will help loosen their skin.
3. Gently peel away the blackened skin from the peppers, remove seeds and membranes, then tear the roasted peppers into thin, rustic strips.
4. Spread raw walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning.
5. Remove toasted walnuts and allow them to cool slightly, then pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped, setting aside for garnishing.
6. Add roasted pepper strips, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses, ground Aleppo pepper, kosher salt, ground cumin, and a pinch of granulated sugar to the food processor.
7. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a smooth yet slightly textured consistency, ensuring ingredients are well combined but not completely pureed.
8. Transfer the muhammara to a serving bowl, drizzle with additional pomegranate molasses, and sprinkle the reserved toasted walnut pieces on top as a garnish.

Notes

• Prepare this vibrant Middle Eastern dip when craving a bold, tangy spread bursting with roasted pepper and walnut flavors.
• Roasting peppers directly over flame creates deep, smoky undertones that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary condiment.
• Choose fresh red bell peppers or jarred roasted peppers depending on seasonal availability and time constraints.
• Toasting walnuts intensifies their nutty essence, releasing rich oils that contribute complex depth to the final mixture.
• Adjust spice levels by experimenting with Aleppo pepper quantities, allowing personal heat preferences to guide your culinary adventure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg