It is the perfect mezze, appetizer, or side packed with flavor and nutrients! This Arabic dip is versatile, flavorful, dairy-free, low-carb, naturally vegan, and can be made gluten-free! Serve it with pita chips or vegetables for an easy make-ahead appetizer. One of the big reasons I love cooking is because it is my window into another culture. I may not be fortunate enough to travel everywhere on my bucket list, but at the very least, I can get a sense of another country and society through food. I love to try different foods from different countries and cultures. And today’s recipe is straight from the Middle East. Have you heard of Muhammara? It’s the most delicious dip that you’re probably not eating already.
What is Muhmmara (or Mouhammara)?
Muhammara is a roasted red bell pepper and walnut dip from the Syrian city of Aleppo. It is a hearty side dish, bursting with flavors and colors. The name Muhammara comes from the Arabic word “Ahmar,” meaning “red,” from its vibrant red color. This red pepper dip is made with roasted peppers, breadcrumbs, olive oil, spices, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts, and it’s delicious! It is almost a cousin to Spanish romesco sauce. This roasted red pepper dip or spread has savory, sweet, slightly smoky, and just enough spicy flavors! In Lebanon, this dip is very popular as part of mezza menus, and it’s often served with toasted pita or pita bread. This roasted red pepper walnut dip is also highly nutrient-dense. It’s packed with vitamin and antioxidant-rich peppers, omega-3-rich walnuts, and protein-dense walnuts. This muhammara dip is made in two easy steps using a food processor. It’s vegan, low-carb, and delicious!
Why Do I love the Red pepper and walnut dip recipe?
Easy to make and BIG on flavor Smoky, Spicy, and Subtly sweet Hearty, Healthy & Delicious Great as a sandwich spread, drizzled over pasta, or served on a salad. Muhammara is always a winner among all age groups.
Ingredients required
Below is the ingredients list and possible substitutions. The exact ingredient amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step-by-step process
Pre-prep
Heat walnuts in a medium skillet over medium heat until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and keep it aside. In the same skillet, toast the breadcrumbs on low to medium heat until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and keep it aside.
Roast the red pepper.
If you are roasting the bell pepper on an induction stove (Glass top) like me, place the little mesh grill first. Turn your stovetop flame from high to medium. Place pepper on the mesh grill. Then, use a pair of tongs to give the pepper a quarter turn every 3 to 4 minutes. This will take around 15 minutes in total. Note: Refer to notes to learn how to roast red pepper in the oven and the air fryer. Once you have roasted your peppers, you will need to steam them. This process will help you peel the tough skin from them more easily. Place the roasted peppers in a bowl, then cover the bowl with a plate or lid. The bowl traps the steam inside. Steam for 10 minutes. Then, remove the charred skin. If you want a more charred flavor, you can leave a few small blackened bits on the skin. Then slice the pepper and remove the seeds.
Make the dip
Now, in the bowl of a large food processor, take roasted peppers, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, salt, sumac, toasted bread crumbs, toasted walnuts, garlic, lime juice, and Alpo pepper. Blend into a slightly coarse paste.
Transfer to a serving bowl. When ready to serve, top the roasted red pepper and walnut dip with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with pomegranate aerials and fresh cilantro or parsley, if you like. Serve with pita bread or pita chips. Enjoy!
Ways to serve this Syrian pepper sauce recipe
The most authentic way is to serve it as a dip with crackers, pita bread, or fresh sliced vegetables. Slather it on sandwiches, fresh pita, or your morning toast. Prepare your favorite pasta and toss it in a large bowl with the muhammara and some pasta water. Replace the tomato sauce on the pizza with muhammara.
More Dip recipes
Seven layer Greek dip Elote dip Alfredo dip Roasted red pepper hummus Jalapeno popper dip
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