Meet Muhammara Dip, the Syrian exotic delicacy
Have you ever heard of Muhammara Dip?
This is a vibrant dip whose traditional recipe is made mainly of bell peppers and walnuts. The traditional recipe also contains pomegranate molasses and breadcrumbs, however, you’ll see that I made a slight variation of this delicious, multi-purpose dip.
This dip is a real fusion of flavours, contrasting sweet and salty, and makes you travel directly to Middle East culture and its wonderful scenarios.
This Middle Eastern gem originates from Aleppo, Syria, and its name comes from the Arabic word for red – “ahmar” – which refers to its red/orangish hue, which is one of the striking characteristics of this sauce.
The unique versatility of this Middle Eastern treasure
This dip can be used both as a starter and as a perfect accompaniment to pitta bread, as well as on grilled meat, vegetables or tofu, for instance. No wonder it can be a crowd pleaser!
Muhammara Dip is an extraordinary culinary creation hailing from the Levant region. This Levantine delight isn’t just your average dip, it’s a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes with its rich flavour and creamy texture.
Below are some ways how you can enjoy Muhammara Dip
- Dip: Of course, Muhammara shines brightest when served as a dip. Pair it with warm pitta bread, crunchy vegetable sticks, or crispy pitta chips for a delightful starter or snack. The creamy texture and bold flavour of Muhammara make it the perfect companion for any gathering or party.
- Sandwich spread: Take your sandwiches to the next level by spreading them with Muhammara instead of traditional condiments like mayonnaise or mustard. It adds a burst of flavour and a hint of Middle Eastern flair to sandwiches filled with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or even falafel.
- Pasta sauce: Believe it or not, Muhammara can also double as a delicious pasta sauce. Simply toss cooked pasta with Muhammara, add a drizzle of olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a quick and flavourful meal that’s sure to impress.
- Grilled meats and seafood: Muhammara makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood. Spread it on top of grilled chicken, lamb chops, or fish fillets to add a burst of flavour and moisture. The smoky sweetness of Muhammara Dip pairs beautifully with the charred notes of grilled meats and seafood.
- Salad dressing: Transform ordinary salads into extraordinary creations by drizzling them with a splash of Muhammara dressing. Simply mix Muhammara with a bit of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice to create a creamy, tangy dressing that will take your salads to the next level.
- Stuffed vegetables: Get creative in the kitchen by using Muhammara as a filling for stuffed vegetables. Stuff bell peppers, courgette, or mushrooms with a mixture of Muhammara, cooked grains, and herbs for a hearty and flavourful vegetarian dish that’s going to please every guest.
- Pizza topping: Forget tomato sauce – Muhammara makes an unexpectedly delicious topping for homemade pizzas. Spread a thin layer of Muhammara on pizza dough, add your favourite toppings, and bake until golden and bubbly, for a pizza experience like no other.
The secrets to crafting an exceptional Muhammara Dip
- Choose quality ingredients: Start with fresh, vibrant red bell peppers and high-quality walnuts. The freshness of the ingredients will directly impact the flavour and overall experience of the dip.
- Roasting bell peppers to perfection: The key to achieving that irresistible smoky flavour in Muhammara is to roast the red bell peppers until their skins are charred. This process intensifies their sweetness and adds a depth of flavour that is essential to the dip.
- Balancing flavours: Muhammara Dip is all about balance. It’s important to strike the perfect harmony between sweetness, tanginess and spice. Experiment with the ratio of pomegranate molasses, lime juice and spices until you achieve a flavour that suits your taste preferences.
- Texture matters: While some prefer a smooth and creamy dip, others enjoy a slightly chunky texture with bits of walnuts for added crunch. Find the texture that appeals to you and adjust the blending time accordingly.
- Infuse with love: Like any great dish, Muhammara Dip benefits from a generous dose of love and attention. Take your time to blend the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the flavours to melt together and develop their full potential.
- Seasoning to taste: Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices according to your liking. Remember, seasoning is the secret ingredient that brings all the flavours together.
- Presentation: They say we eat with our eyes first, so don’t overlook the importance of presentation. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped coriander, and garnish with chilli flakes. It’s time to enjoy your Muhammara Dip.
Find out more delicious recipes:
Muhammara Dip
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 lime juice
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 garlic glove
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional toppings
- Black sesame seeds
- Olive oil
- Coriander
- Chilli flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200º and roast the peppers for around 35 min. or until the skin is blackened.
- Place the peppers on a container with the lid on to create some steam. Let them cool and peel them.
- Place the peppers in a blender or a food processor together with the walnuts, the lime, the garlic and the spices and blend well.
- Add the olive oil and blend a bit more.
- Serve it in a bowl and top it with olive oil and sesame seeds.
- Add some coriander coarsely chopped and some chilli flakes.
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