Muhammara

Roasted vegetables are blended with toasted walnuts, spices, and pomegranate molasses.

Delicious and Authentic Muhammara Recipe

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Introduction

Muhammara is a smoky, tangy, and nutty dip that originates from the Middle East, made primarily with roasted red peppers, nuts, and pomegranate molasses. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip, spread, or side dish, and its combination of bold flavors makes it a favorite in many households.

This recipe uses a mix of roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic to create a flavorful vegetable base. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables while adding a slight char for depth. The vegetables are seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, allowing their natural flavors to shine.

Pecans are toasted with spices like cumin and coriander, along with tomato paste, to add a nutty richness to the dip. This step also infuses the nuts with aromatic spices, balancing the sweetness of the roasted vegetables with a warm and earthy flavor profile. The use of pecans is a slight variation from traditional recipes, which often use walnuts.

The roasted vegetables and spiced pecans are blended together with pomegranate molasses, which gives the dip its signature tanginess and a touch of sweetness. The result is a creamy, vibrant paste that’s as flavorful as it is visually appealing. Garnishing with fresh pomegranate seeds and cilantro adds freshness and texture.

Muhammara pairs well with toasted bread or crackers, making it a simple yet impressive addition to any table. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it suitable for various occasions, whether as part of a mezze platter or a quick snack. The recipe is straightforward to follow and can be prepared ahead of time, making it both practical and delicious.

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Prep Time

Cook Time

Servings

Calorie/Serving

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Roast Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a baking sheet, add 4 roughly chopped red bell peppers, 2 quartered tomatoes, 2 quartered onions, and 5 whole garlic cloves (with skin). Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Massage the mixture to coat evenly, then roast for 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  2. Toast Pecans: While the vegetables roast, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 cup American pecans, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Stir well and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the pecans are toasted and coated evenly with the spices and tomato paste.
  3. Blend Ingredients: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven. Peel the skins off the roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic for a smoother texture. Transfer the peeled vegetables to a food processor or blender. Add the toasted pecan mixture and 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses. Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth and creamy paste.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the muhammara to a serving dish. Drizzle additional pomegranate molasses over the top. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with toasted bread as a flavorful dip, spread, or side dish.

Recipe Notes

  • Texture Adjustment: For a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients instead of blending them into a smooth paste.
  • Substitutions: Walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a similar nutty flavor.
  • Pomegranate Molasses: If unavailable, substitute with a mix of lemon juice and maple syrup for a tangy-sweet flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a gluten-free option.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 200°C (400°F) for even roasting of vegetables.
  • Roasting Time: Adjust roasting time based on the size of your vegetables; smaller pieces may require less time.
  • Oil-Free Option: Skip the olive oil and dry-toast the pecans in a pan to reduce oil content.
  • Garlic Flavor: Leaving the garlic skin on during roasting prevents it from burning and gives a mellow flavor. Peel it after roasting.
  • Acidity Level: Adjust the amount of pomegranate molasses to suit your taste—add more for extra tanginess.
  • Allergy Alternatives: For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas can replace the pecans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but the texture might be less smooth. Peeling is recommended for a creamy consistency.

No, it has warm, smoky flavors but no heat. Add chili flakes or smoked paprika if you prefer spice.

Yes, but fresh roasted peppers add a deeper, smokier flavor. Be sure to drain the canned peppers thoroughly.

Substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or omit them entirely, though the flavor profile will change.

Absolutely! Muhammara tastes even better after resting for a few hours as the flavors meld together.

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the creamy texture and cause separation upon thawing.

Yes, you can experiment with smoked paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.

For a seed-based version, try using toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

If the muhammara is too thick, add a drizzle of olive oil or water while blending.

It’s best to serve muhammara within 2 hours if left at room temperature. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.

Toasted pita, sourdough, or any crusty bread pairs well. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks.

Yes, you can easily double the quantities to make a larger batch for gatherings.

The tomato paste adds depth to the flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with roasted sundried tomatoes.

Nutritional Info (per Serving)

  • Calories: 746 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 7.8g
  • Fat: 66.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.8g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Potassium: 744.6mg
  • Fiber: 9.4g
  • Sugar: 21.2g
  • Vitamin A: 245µg
  • Vitamin C: 92mg

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