Muhammara Recipe

If you’re looking for a bold, smoky, and utterly addictive dip, Muhammara is about to become your new obsession. This vibrant Syrian classic blends roasted red peppers, walnuts, and a punchy hit of pomegranate molasses to deliver a spread that’s both earthy and tangy—it’s the one I break out anytime I want to wow friends (or just treat myself) with something spectacularly different!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Muhammara is how a handful of honest, simple ingredients work together to create magic. Every element—from the smoky peppers to the tangy pomegranate molasses and earthy walnuts—plays a starring role in building that irresistible depth of flavor and creamy texture.

• Red Bell Peppers: The star! Roasting them brings out incredible sweetness and a gorgeous smoky note.
• Large Onion: Adds a mellow, savory backbone that balances the sweetness of the peppers.
• Vine Tomatoes: A touch of acidity brightens the whole dip and gives a lush body.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For roasting, sautéing, and finishing—the good stuff rounds out all the flavors.
• Garlic: Grated and sautéed, it brings a gentle but unmistakable punch of aromatic heat.
• Tomato Paste: Adds umami richness and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Cumin: Subtle earthiness that ties the spicy and sweet notes together.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right amount of background heat.
• Walnuts: These deliver the signature hearty texture and a nutty depth—don’t skip or skimp!
• Pomegranate Molasses: Sweet-tart and syrupy, this is the soul of traditional Muhammara. (Try balsamic vinegar if you can’t find it.)
• Breadcrumbs: Essential for thickening—start slow and add as needed for your perfect dip.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To pull every flavor into harmony.
• Pomegranate Seeds: For a jewel-like garnish and bright pops of tartness on top.
• Flat-leaf Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful green finish.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make Muhammara your own! This recipe is incredibly forgiving—perfect if you need to work around what’s in your pantry, spice rack, or dietary preferences. Here are some delicious ways to play:

• Nut-Free Muhammara: Use sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts for an allergy-friendly option with the same satisfying crunch.
• Extra Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or roast your peppers over an open flame for even deeper smoky undertones.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond meal to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
• Bolder Heat: Can’t get enough spice? Add a bit more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a fiery twist.
• Sweeter Touch: Add a tiny drizzle of honey to play up the dip’s sweet contrasts—just don’t overpower the tart pomegranate profile.

How to Make Muhammara

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, arrange your quartered red bell peppers, vine tomatoes, and onion in a single layer. Drizzle generously with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some black pepper. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until everything is gorgeously roasted and charred at the edges. Once cooled slightly, gently peel away and discard any loose pepper skins for a silky-smooth Muhammara.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

While the vegetables roast, heat a spoonful of olive oil in a small skillet over medium. Add the grated garlic, tomato paste, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly—this step unlocks the full aroma of the spices and gives your Muhammara massive flavor depth right from the start.

Step 3: Blend Everything Together

In a food processor, combine the sautéed tomato spice mixture, your roasted peppers, tomatoes, onions, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Pulse until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides to make sure everything gets incorporated. If your Muhammara looks too thin, add your breadcrumbs gradually until you get that classic, spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Garnish

Spoon the Muhammara onto a serving platter, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil, then shower the top with juicy pomegranate seeds and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. Serve right away, ideally with warm pita or your favorite crunchy veggies.

How to Serve Muhammara

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation (and an extra pop of flavor), always top Muhammara with a lush scatter of pomegranate seeds and vibrant chopped parsley. Those ruby bursts and fresh green flecks make your dip irresistible and signal the zesty, nutty treat that awaits underneath.

Side Dishes

Muhammara practically begs to be scooped with pillowy pita bread, crispy lavash, or sturdy seed crackers. It also makes a fabulous companion to roasted or grilled veggies, simple grilled meats or kebabs, or even part of a mezze spread featuring hummus and baba ganoush.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping twist, try dolloping Muhammara on grain bowls, spreading it into wraps, or using it as a bold, beautiful base for poached eggs in place of tomato sauce. A swirl of this brilliant red dip on a charcuterie board is guaranteed to steal the spotlight, no matter what you serve alongside it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Muhammara in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh, bold, and flavorful for up to 5 days. If you’re making it ahead for a party or meal prep, it actually deepens in flavor the longer it sits!

Freezing

Muhammara freezes beautifully—simply portion it into freezer-safe containers (leave some room for expansion), and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving; add a splash of olive oil if it seems too thick.

Reheating

While Muhammara is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled, you can take the chill off leftovers by letting them sit on the counter for 30 minutes or zap gently in short, low-power microwave bursts—just enough to soften, not cook.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Muhammara enough if you crave something vibrant, surprising, and truly unforgettable. Treat yourself (or your favorite people) to a batch—you just might discover your new signature snack or dinner party hero. Enjoy every scoop, swirl, and smile!

Print