About the Recipe
Muhammara is a distinctive, vibrant, and flavorful dip that hails from the Middle Eastern cuisine. Its primary ingredient is roasted red peppers, which lends it a rich, smoky essence. This is combined with the crunch of walnuts and the tanginess of tomato paste, creating a well-rounded taste profile. The inclusion of date syrup adds a subtle sweetness, perfectly offset by the heat of cayenne pepper.
This dip is a celebration of contrasting yet harmonious flavors, where sweet, spicy, and smoky notes come together to create a truly indulgent treat. It is traditionally garnished with extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, and fresh parsley, and is most commonly served with pita bread or pita chips.
Muhammara can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a sandwich spread. It's easy to make, but its complex and robust flavors would suggest otherwise. This delightful dip is a true testament to the versatility and richness of Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you're a food enthusiast trying new flavors or someone who appreciates healthy, wholesome food, Muhammara is sure to be a favorite.
Ingredients
2 large red bell pepper cut in halves Â
2Â Garlic bunchesÂ
1Â tbsp date syrup
¼ lb shelled toasted walnuts
 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
½ teaspoon sumacÂ
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Preparation
Step 1Â
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.Â
Step 2Â
On a baking sheet, place red bell peppers. In parchment paper wrap your garlic bunches, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.Â
Step 3Â
Bake for 30 minutesÂ
Step 4Â
Take the peppers out of the oven and transfer them to a bowl. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap to trap the steam from the hot peppers, which aids in peeling later on. Once they've cooled to a touch-safe temperature, you can proceed to peel the peppers. Following this, discard the seeds and cut the peppers into thin strips.
Step 5Â
In your spacious food processor, merge the following ingredients: strips of roasted red pepper,date syrup, walnuts, tomato paste, sumac, salt, and a hint of cayenne. Process these until they form a smooth, well-integrated paste. Taste and adjust to liking.Â
Step 6Â
Relocate the prepared paste to a dish for serving. If you're not serving it immediately, you can refrigerate the muhammara. However, ensure it returns to room temperature before serving.
Tip:
As you're about to serve, enhance the dip with a splash of extra virgin olive oil (optional)Â , sprinkle some additional walnuts and fresh parsley and drizzle with date syrup. Accompany the dip with toasted bread or crackers for a delightful experience. Enjoy!Â
