Muhammara dip is a classic Syrian dish that is perfect for parties! This dip is made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and spices, and it is so flavorful and delicious. I love serving this dip with pita chips or fresh vegetables. It is the perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Brush the bell peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and place in a lightly oiled oven-safe pan or cast-iron skillet.
Roast the peppers, turning them once until they are cooked, and the skin is blackened- About 30 minutes.
In a flat pan, roast the walnuts with the cumin seeds on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes. Add them to the food processor and blend until powdered—Reserve in the food processor container.
Roat the garlic. This step is optional, but I prefer to do it as the raw garlic has an intense flavor, and I prefer to roast it to get a more delicate flavor.
Cover. Put the peppers in a saucepan and cover with a lid. Once cool, peel and discard the skin and seeds.
Blend. Now add the cleaned, roasted peppers to the food processor containing the walnuts and cumin seeds, and blend the rest of the ingredients. Blend into a smooth paste.
Adjust. Add using more pomegranate juice (or molasses), lemon juice, and salt to taste. We are aiming for an intense flavor.
Serve. Transfer to a serving bowl. Spoon the dip into a shallow bowl and spread it using the back of a spoon to give it a wavy texture. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and serve at room temperature.
Garnish. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with flatbread or pita chips.
Video
Notes
Alternatively, you could work everything with a mortar and pestle in the food processor to have a less creamy and more textured version of Muhammara.If you use ground cumin, add them directly to the food processor when adding the roasted peppers.Gluten-free - You can exclude breadcrumbs; the texture will only change slightly. You could also use gluten-free breadcrumbs.Whole Food Plant-based and Oil-Free - you can exclude the olive oil altogether, you will only find it less creamy, and you can also exclude the breadcrumbs.