Make Ahead

Muhammara

Name: Muhammara
Yield: Serves 6 as an appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 12-oz. can roasted red peppers; 1 cup walnuts; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1/4 teaspoon aleppo pepper; 1/2 teaspoon or more salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon sumac

by: Rivka

February 5, 2010

0 Ratings

Serves 6 as an appetizer

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Author Notes

I've been eating pita with hummus and labne several times a week for years; when I discovered muhammara, that lunch got infinitely better. Muhammara is a zippy red pepper and walnut spread with a touch of sweetness from pomegranate molasses. I adapted this recipe from one in Bon Appetit, swapping out panko for homemade breadcrumbs, upping the tang with sumac, and adding aleppo pepper for some authentic Syrian spice. —Rivka

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Ingredients

Directions

In a dry saute pan, toast cumin seeds over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer cumin to a bowl to prevent burning.
Add all ingredients to food processor or blender and blend until mixture forms a smooth paste. If mixture won't puree, add water or olive oil by the tablespoon until the mixture becomes smooth. Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle sumac on top, and serve with warm pita or pita chips.

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Rivka

I'm a healthcare consultant by day, food blogger by night, and I make a mean veggie chili. I'm eat a mostly-vegetarian diet, but have a soft spot for meat, especially braised short ribs. And this profile wouldn't be complete without an admission that I absolutely am addicted to cookies and chocolate. Finally, I love the idea of food52 and can't wait to share and read my and others' favorite recipes!

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8 Reviews

darksideofthespoon August 28, 2013

I tried muhammara for the first time at a potluck this last week. It was amazing! This recipe looks very promising!!

Droplet June 4, 2011

This is the best variation on this recipe I've seen thus far.

barr November 28, 2010

I love muhammara! If you don't have brea crumbs, Akmak crackers or even Triscuits work well too.

Rivka November 29, 2010

I don't know what Akmak crackers are....will have to look into that!

lastnightsdinner November 28, 2010

I love Muhammara, and I'll have to make this soon.

Rivka March 22, 2010

Sure: either add some lemon juice and a pinch of sugar, or add some reduced cranberry juice.

KLL5 February 6, 2010

This looks great, but can I substitute pomegranate molasses for something else easier to find?

Mandragoras March 30, 2011

go here

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pomegranate_molasses/

to make your own ...and your Off Broadway !