Muhammara

Name: Muhammara
Prep time: 20 min
Cuisine: Syrian (Aleppo)
Ingredients: Roasted red bell peppers, peeled — 300 g (10.5 oz); Walnuts, toasted — 150 g (1.5 cups); Fresh breadcrumbs — 40 g (1/2 cup); Pomegranate molasses — 30 ml (2 tbsp); Garlic clove — 1; Ground cumin — 3 g (1 tsp); Aleppo pepper or paprika with a pinch of cayenne — 5 g (1.5 tsp); Extra-virgin olive oil — 60 ml (1/4 cup); Salt — 3 g (1/2 tsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 min

Prep

0 min

Cook

Ingredients

Roasted red bell peppers, peeled — 300 g (10.5 oz)
Walnuts, toasted — 150 g (1.5 cups)
Fresh breadcrumbs — 40 g (1/2 cup)
Pomegranate molasses — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Garlic clove — 1
Ground cumin — 3 g (1 tsp)
Aleppo pepper or paprika with a pinch of cayenne — 5 g (1.5 tsp)
Extra-virgin olive oil — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
Salt — 3 g (1/2 tsp)

Method

Combine roasted peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, garlic, cumin and Aleppo pepper in a
food processor.
Pulse to a coarse, textured paste — not perfectly smooth.
With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until well combined.
Season with salt to taste.
Chill at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavours meld; drizzle with extra olive oil to serve.

Cultural Background: A rich, tangy-sweet dip of roasted red peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses, muhammara originates from Aleppo, Syria, and reflects the city's historic reputation for sophisticated, nuanced Levantine cuisine, now served as a beloved meze across the region.

Tips: • Toasting the walnuts beforehand deepens their flavour significantly. • The sauce should retain some texture — avoid over-processing into a completely smooth purée.

Variations: • Add a fresh chile for extra heat. • Adjust pomegranate molasses for more or less tang depending on brand sweetness.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Reheating: Not applicable; served cold or at room temperature. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 130 kcal, 2.5 g protein, 12 g fat, 5 g carbohydrate per 30 g serving.

FAQs: What is muhammara traditionally served with? Pita bread and flatbread, as part of a meze spread, and alongside grilled meats. Can I use jarred roasted peppers? Yes, good-quality jarred roasted peppers work well and save time over roasting fresh ones.