Muhammara Recipe – Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Walnut Dip
Description:
Muhammara is a vibrant, creamy Middle Eastern dip that beautifully blends the rich flavor of roasted red bell peppers with the crunch of walnuts, accented by the warmth of red chili flakes, the sweetness of jaggery, and the tanginess of lemon juice. This velvety and healthy dip can be served as an appetizer or side dish at your gatherings, paired with pita bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Its unique flavor profile will be a hit at any party or celebration!
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 2 whole peppers |
| Walnuts (lightly toasted) | 1 cup |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Jaggery (or pomegranate molasses) | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed) | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | to taste |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
-
Roast the Red Bell Peppers:
Begin by rubbing a small amount of olive oil on the skin of the whole red bell peppers. Roast the peppers directly on an open flame (using a gas burner or grilling them) for about 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. The peppers should be about ¾ charred on all sides. -
Cool and Peel:
Once the peppers are roasted, remove them from the flame and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Peel off the burnt skin carefully using your hands or a paper towel. Then, chop the roasted peppers into rough pieces. -
Grind the Ingredients:
In a blender or food processor, add the peeled red bell peppers, walnuts, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cumin powder, red chili flakes, jaggery, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth paste. -
Add Bread Crumbs:
Add the whole wheat bread crumbs to the paste, and pulse the mixture again until it is well combined. If the dip is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil or breadcrumbs. -
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the dip and adjust the salt and spices as needed. For an extra kick, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes, or add a little more jaggery if you prefer a sweeter flavor. -
Serve:
Transfer the Muhammara dip to a serving bowl, and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness. Serve it fresh alongside pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables. -
Storage:
If you’re not serving the Muhammara immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Muhammara is a versatile dip that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. You can serve it as part of a Middle Eastern mezze spread or with:
- Whole Wheat Pita Bread
- Homemade Pita Bread (Quick and Simple Recipe)
- Peri Peri Fish Fingers
- Roasted Baby Potatoes
This dip is perfect for high tea parties, casual gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something deliciously unique and healthy.
Enjoy your Muhammara, a dip that combines the smoky depth of roasted red bell peppers with the nuttiness of walnuts, bringing together the best of Middle Eastern flavors in a satisfying and savory spread!
