Muhammara Dip
Muhammara Dip is a bold and flavorful Middle Eastern appetizer combining smoky roasted red peppers, crunchy walnuts, and a blend of spices. This vibrant dip offers a rich texture and tangy taste, making it a versatile and nutritious snack that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed with breads, veggies, or grilled meats.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Roasting and blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 large fresh red peppers (for roasting)
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- Roast and Prepare Red Peppers: Start by roasting fresh red peppers until their skins char and blister. Let them cool, then peel off the skins and remove seeds. This step is crucial to achieve that smoky, sweet flavor.
- Toast the Walnuts: Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Toasting intensifies their nuttiness, enhancing the dip’s taste.
- Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: Place roasted peppers, toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a food processor.
- Blend and Adjust Consistency: Pulse the ingredients while slowly drizzling in olive oil until smooth but slightly chunky. Adjust seasoning as needed and add chili flakes for heat if desired.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the Muhammara Dip for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh roasted peppers and good-quality walnuts make a significant difference in flavor.
- Peel the red peppers thoroughly: Removing the charred skin prevents bitterness in the dip.
- Toast nuts carefully: Watch walnuts closely to avoid burning, which causes a bitter taste.
- Drain excess liquid: If your roasted peppers are watery, drain them before blending to keep the dip thick.
- Customize the heat: Add chili flakes gradually so you can control the spice level perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Muhammara, Middle Eastern dip, roasted red pepper dip, walnut dip, healthy appetizer, gluten-free dip