Muhammara

Muhammara Recipe - Vegetarian Turkish Dish with Walnuts and Red Peppers

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Muhammara is a delicious Middle Eastern dip made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices. It is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze platter.

History

Muhammara originated in Aleppo, Syria, and is a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine. The name "muhammara" comes from the Arabic word for "reddened," which refers to the vibrant red color of the roasted red peppers used in the recipe.

Ingredients

0.25 cup chopped walnuts
1 x 7 oz (198 g) jar roasted red peppers, rinsed
0.5 cup fresh breadcrumbs [1]
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice, or to taste
1.5 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
salt

How to prepare

Toast the walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring, until they become fragrant, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer the toasted walnuts to a small bowl and allow them to cool.
Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and process them until they become smooth.
If desired, adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice and salt.

Variations

Add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a tangy twist.
Substitute almonds or pistachios for the walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Roast your own red peppers for a fresher taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the walnuts before adding them to the food processor to enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more lemon juice, salt, or crushed red pepper as needed.

- For a smoother texture, you can soak the breadcrumbs in water before adding them to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve muhammara with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It also pairs well with grilled meats or as a spread on sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the walnuts before blending them with the other ingredients helps to enhance their nutty flavor. Make sure to pulse the mixture in the food processor until smooth for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh breadcrumbs, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs or even panko breadcrumbs. You can also use canned roasted red peppers instead of roasting your own.

Make Ahead Tips

Muhammara can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving to recombine the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the muhammara with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a few extra toasted walnuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve muhammara alongside other Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover muhammara in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of muhammara contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of muhammara contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Muhammara is a rich source of healthy fats, with each serving providing about 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

This dish contains around 2 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Muhammara is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the roasted red peppers. It also contains iron, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains walnuts and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Muhammara is a nutritious dish that is high in healthy fats and vitamin C. It makes a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Muhammara is a flavorful and nutritious dip that is easy to make and perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack. With its blend of roasted red peppers, walnuts, and spices, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Muhammara. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the recipe for this Middle Eastern red pepper and walnut dip caught my eye.

Growing up in a small town in the heart of the Midwest, my exposure to international cuisine was limited. But as soon as I read about Muhammara, I knew I had to try making it. The combination of roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses sounded intriguing and exotic.

I set out to gather all the ingredients, which proved to be a bit of a challenge in my small town. I had to visit several specialty stores to find the pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper that the recipe called for. But after a bit of searching, I had everything I needed to give it a try.

I carefully followed the instructions, roasting the red peppers until they were soft and charred, and toasting the walnuts until they were fragrant. The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of spices as I mixed everything together in the food processor.

When I took my first bite of the Muhammara, I was blown away by the complex flavors. The sweetness of the roasted red peppers combined with the earthy nuttiness of the walnuts and the tartness of the pomegranate molasses created a symphony of tastes on my palate.

I was so proud of my creation that I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. They were equally impressed and couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious and exotic dish.

As I continued to make Muhammara for gatherings and parties, it became a signature dish of mine. People would always ask for the recipe, and I was more than happy to share it with them.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a bit more garlic here and a touch of lemon juice there. Each time I make it, I feel a sense of connection to my great-grandmother and the generations of women who came before me, passing down their culinary knowledge and love of food.

I have also had the opportunity to learn more about the origins of Muhammara and its cultural significance. I discovered that it is a popular dish in Syria and Lebanon, often served as part of mezze platters or as a dip for bread. The name Muhammara actually means "reddened" in Arabic, referring to the vibrant red color of the peppers used in the dish.

As I delved deeper into the history of Muhammara, I found that it is believed to have originated in Aleppo, Syria, where it was traditionally made with Aleppo peppers, which are known for their rich, fruity flavor and mild heat. While I had to settle for regular red pepper flakes in my version, I still felt a connection to the roots of this beloved dish.

My journey with Muhammara has been a delicious and fulfilling one. It has opened up a whole new world of flavors and ingredients for me to explore. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer together.

So the next time you're feeling curious about a new recipe, don't hesitate to give it a try. You never know what culinary delights you might discover along the way. And who knows, it might just become a beloved family tradition, passed down through the generations, just like Muhammara has for me.