Muhammara (Red Pepper & Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses)
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!Inspired by the Walnut-Pomegranate Dip at McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub in Portland, Oregon.
Cover a baking sheet pan with a Silpat mat or parchment paper and spread the prepared vegetables out in a single layer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over vegetables and toss to coat. Season vegetables lightly with kosher salt and ground cumin.
Roast vegetable in preheated oven for 45 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once vegetables are cool, remove peel from red peppers.
Toast Walnuts
Heat walnuts in a dry, heavy skillet over medium heat for 2 or 3 minutes, or until nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Walnuts burn easily in a skillet, so be sure to stir constantly to ensure even toasting until the nuts turn a rich, golden brown. Remove walnuts from skillet and set aside.
Prep Spices
In the same skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Turn off burner, add the cumin and paprika, and stir in hot oil until fragrant - just a few seconds. Allow to cool slightly.
Put it all together
Put all ingredients into a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.
Serve with warm pita triangles, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or whatever makes you happy.
Notes
As with many things, the flavors in this dip benefit greatly by having a little time to blend. It can definitely be eaten immediately after making it, but If you are making this for a party, I strongly suggest doing so a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to mingle and come together. Serve cold or at room temperature. If you prefer your dips a little chunkier, reserve one carrot and a handful of walnuts until after you have mostly pureed the mixture, then throw the reserve nuts and carrot in and pulse for a few times to combine.