Muhammara
Muhammara is a vibrant Middle Eastern dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and spices, offering a delightful combination of nuttiness and sweetness. Serve it as an appetizer with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a flavorful addition to your spread.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup bread crumbs3 red peppers
2 red hot chili peppers
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp pomegranate juice
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup walnuts
2 tbsp olive oil
Muhammara is a flavorful and vibrant Middle Eastern dip made primarily from roasted red peppers and walnuts. It's a wonderful addition to your appetizer spread, offering a delightful combination of spice, sweetness, and nuttiness. Perfect for serving with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, this dip is both versatile and delicious.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the red peppers and red hot chili peppers on a baking sheet.
- Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the skins are blistered and charred, turning occasionally for even roasting.
- Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen the skins.
- After cooling, peel off the skins, remove the stems, and de-seed the peppers.
- Peel the garlic cloves. If desired, you can slightly crush them to release more flavor during blending.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes or until aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let them cool slightly.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted peppers, red hot chili peppers, garlic cloves, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and toasted walnuts.
- Process until you have a rough paste consistency.
- Add the bread crumbs to the mixture and pulse a few more times.
- Gradually add the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Taste your muhammara and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of salt, more lemon juice, or a bit of pomegranate juice if desired.
- Transfer the muhammara to a serving bowl.
- You can garnish with additional toasted walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds if you like.
- Serve the muhammara as a dip with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Enjoy!
Muhammara is a delectable dip that's sure to impress your guests with its rich and complex flavors. Whether you're preparing it for a casual family gathering or a special occasion, it’s a tasty and nutritious addition that everyone will enjoy. Don't forget to serve it with a variety of dippers to fully appreciate its delightful taste.
Muhammara FAQ:
Roast the red and red hot chili peppers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the skins are blistered and charred, turning occasionally for even roasting.
You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds, keeping in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on your choice.
Store any leftover Muhammara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
The Muhammara is done when it reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency without large chunks. You can adjust the texture by adding olive oil gradually.
Yes, Muhammara can be made ahead of time. It tastes even better after a day as the flavors meld together; just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.
Tips:
- Roasting Peppers: Roast the red peppers and chili peppers until their skins are charred and blistered. This can be done on a grill, in an oven, or directly over a gas flame. Once charred, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for about 10 minutes. This makes peeling the skins off much easier.
- Using Fresh Bread: For the bread crumbs, use fresh or day-old bread for better texture and flavor. If using store-bought crumbs, opt for unseasoned varieties.
- Consistency Adjustment: If the dip is too thick, gradually add more olive oil or a splash of water until the desired consistency is reached. If it's too thin, add more bread crumbs or walnuts.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the dip before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a bit more lemon juice for acidity, pomegranate juice for sweetness, or salt to enhance the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Muhammara pairs excellently with fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips. It also goes well with pita bread, crackers, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 120kcal
Protein 3.31g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2.14g
Sugar 3.69g
Fat 13g
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