Muhammara: Syrian Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip Recipe
Muhammara is a flavorful Syrian roasted red pepper and walnut dip that perfectly balances sweet, savory, salty, and spicy tastes. This classic Levantine dip is simple to prepare in under 10 minutes, using ingredients like roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses for a rich, textured, and vibrant appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Levantine, Syrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 Large roasted red peppers – Jarred works fine
- ½ cup Walnuts
- ⅓ cup Unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 Garlic cloves – peeled
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Sumac
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Crushed walnuts
- Olive oil drizzle
- Pomegranate molasses drizzle
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a food processor: Place the roasted red peppers, walnuts, unseasoned breadcrumbs, peeled garlic cloves, tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, sumac, Aleppo chili flakes, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper into a food processor.
- Process, adjust, and serve: Pulse the mixture until it reaches a fine consistency but still retains some texture and bite – avoid pureeing it completely smooth. Taste the dip and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Transfer the muhammara to a serving plate and garnish with crushed walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and fresh parsley. Serve with fresh pita bread or pita wedges for dipping.
Notes
- Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly and save time, but roasting your own peppers can enhance flavor.
- Aleppo chili flakes provide a mild, fruity heat; substitute with mild chili flakes if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of pomegranate molasses based on your preferred tartness and sweetness balance.
- For a gluten-free option, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit entirely.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
