Muhammara (Red Pepper Walnut Dip)

Muhammara – Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip – is a versatile, savory-sweet Middle Eastern dip. Delicious spread on pita or veggies, or as sauce for kabobs, this gluten-free, vegan version is amazing!

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Muhammara, or Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip, originated in Aleppo, Syria, and its principal ingredients traditionally include red peppers, ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, spices, olive oil, and a . However, this recipe – inspired by popular local pub fare – omits the bread crumbs, and instead uses roasted carrots to thicken and extend the dip. Not only do the carrots keep this delicious savory-sweet dip gluten-free, but they give it a wonderful creaminess and infuse an earthy sweetness as well.

Some years back, my sister-friend Dottie and I attended an annual Portland poetry slam together, and afterwards decided to stop for a little late night snack at the adjacent Bagdad Pub.

Dottie and I ordered something called “Three Faces of Eve,” [super-fancy hummus plate] and sat down to rehash the evening, poet by poet.

Forty-five minutes later, still no hummus plate. When we finally got our waitress’s attention and she (let’s call her Alice) went to check on our order, only to return frantic and apologizing all over the place. Alice said she had no idea what happened but the kitchen never got our order. 

“Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” she asked us – at least seven times. In between apologizing, she kept up a steady train of chatter, trying so hard to be accommodating that it was driving us nuts. All either Dottie or I could think was, “It’s OK, we understand. Really. Just please stop talking.” 

Finally, I told Alice what would really make me happy: I wanted the recipe for their roasted red pepper walnut dip. Which I love. LOVE. As in, I have been known to go to this pub solely for the walnut-pomegranate dip. (It is my favorite of Eve’s three faces.)

“Can you get the recipe for me?” I asked, smiling my best ‘you might just be able to salvage your tip’ smile.

“I dunno, but I’ll try.” She didn’t sound very confident, but it gave her something to do besides hover over us like a needy dragonfly.

Ten minutes later, Alice emerged from the back wearing a big grin and waving little piece of white paper. 

I almost got misty. This recipe had been on my wish list for years! I scanned the handwritten recipe briefly and then tucked it away, already calculating the Alice’s generous tip. It’s a good thing my scanning skills are pretty tight, too; because somewhere between that Bagdad booth and my front door, Alice’s little slip of paper completely disappeared. 

Surprisingly, I took recipe loss in stride. In my quick perusal, I’d memorized the ingredient, along with a general idea of the basic ratios.

In the long run, losing it wasn’t entirely a bad thing. It forced me to really work each this recipe out for myself, and even take some pride in the result! I hope you enjoy our version of Muhammara as much as we do! 

Pomegranate Molasses is the Secret Ingredient

Pomegranate molasses is the one distinct, “secret” ingredient in this recipe, and what lends to its unique, savory-sweet flavor. 

Called molasses not for its origins, but for its dark, syrupy consistency, pomegranate molasses is, in fact, a thick fruit syrup made from pomegranate juice. 

Pomegranate molasses is a bit like a less sweet, less tangy balsamic reduction, and I find that I can use it anywhere I would use a good balsamic glaze.  (I’ll be honest: until I started making muhammara at home, I’d never even heard of pomegranate molasses. I’ve since found a number of delicious uses for it.)

Post Updated June 17, 2019 (Originally published June, 2013)

Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip {Muhammara} is savory, sweet, smoky deliciousness! Spread on pita, dip in veggies, or sauce up kabobs! Tweet & Share!

Ingredient Notes: 

• Aleppo Peppers: Named after the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, Aleppo dried pepper flakes are traditionally used in Muhammara. Aleppo pepper flakes are about half as hot as crushed red chili flakes, and according to some, twice as flavorful. Aleppo pepper flakes can be found in specialty markets or online. 
• Carrots: Carrots are not a traditional ingredient in muhammara; however, this recipe uses carrots in place of breadcrumbs to thicken and extend the dip. For this recipe, I chose to roast the carrots before blending them into the dip, instead of simply boiling them as my original notes indicated. Not only do the roasted carrots pair perfectly with the walnut-pomegranate flavors to make this savory-sweet dip gluten-free, but they give it a wonderful creaminess as well. 
• Pomegranate Molasses: Probably the most unusual ingredient in this recipe, pomegranate molasses is a household staple in many Middle Eastern kitchens. It has a truly unique flavor, and can be used for glazes, salad dressings, and even barbecuing. You can find it at specialty stores or online. And before you even ask: no, here is no good substitute for it. 

If this Muhammara sounds tasty to you, be sure to check out our Armenian-style Eggplant & Carrot Salad and Moroccan Carrot Salad with Harissa, Feta & Fresh Herbs recipes!