Creamy, smoky, spicy-sweet and tangy, this Muhammara Recipe is simply to die for. This Middle Eastern inspired roasted red bell pepper dip is delightful with everything from french fries to raw veggies, pita bread to veggie burgers. Once you make it, I have a feeling you’ll want to put it on everything!!
About Muhammara
Traditionally speaking, muhammara (also spelled m’hammara or muhamara) is a slightly spicy roasted red pepper and walnut dip made with breadcrumbs and pomegranate molasses. The name actually translates to “reddened” in Arabic, which speaks to its gorgeous hue.
While the original dish can be traced back to Aleppo, this Syrian mainstay can be found all over the Middle East, all the way from Turkey to Israel. Muhammara tastes rather similar to Spanish romesco sauce, and can be found on just about any mezze platter.
Ever since I saw a recipe of Muhammara on Natalie’s blog, I have been dreaming about making it. While I didn’t have all the ingredients that Natalie used – namely pomegranate molasses and walnuts – I was able to conjure up my own version of this tasty veg dip.
In my recipe, I swapped in honey for the missing pomegranate molasses and used roasted almonds in place of the traditional walnuts. Fun fact: romesco sauce uses almonds, so this recipe is like a Spanish/Middle Eastern fusion!
You can make your own pomegranate molasses if you ever want to! Just use pomegranate juice and a bit of sugar, then simmer it down until it is syrupy.
Since we have tastebuds that favor bold flavors, I also opted to make it more garlicky and spicier. The resulting dip was heavenly. You should do yourself a favor and make some right now!
It has the charred aroma of roasted peppers, a bright tanginess from lemon juice, and sweetness from the red bell pepper & honey; it is a pure flavor party for your mouth!
Serve this awesome dip with warm Pita or Naan, French Fries, raw veggies, Potato Wedges, Hara Bhara Kabab (or any kebab!), Falafel, Paneer Shawarma, Veg Cutlet, or even spread on a Burger. As our American friends might say, “this sauce is BOSS.” I’m certain you’ll love it!
How To Make Muhammara
This simple muhammara recipe can be made in a snap! Here’s how it’s done:
1. I only had one large red bell pepper, which was the perfect amount for a small bowl of dip.
2. Roast the pepper on an open flame (use your gas stovetop or a grill, or even the broiler in the oven.)
This is the same process we use for roasting aubergines when making Baingan Bharta and even baba ganoush.
3. You have to completely char the pepper, getting the skin to turn black all over. Keep it in a bowl of water for 5 minutes. When cooled, remove the crispy burnt layer and discard it.
4. You should end up with a peeled soft cooked red pepper.
5. Remove the seeds and chop the bell pepper…
6. And then blend it in a blender or process in a food processor with the following listed ingredients to a fine consistency:
- 2 to 3 small-sized peeled garlic cloves
- ¼ cup walnuts or roasted almonds
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or pomegranate molasses or raw sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika or cayenne or red chilli powder
- 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and ground black pepper as needed
Transfer the prepared muhammara from the blender in a serving bowl using a spatula or spoon. Add a dash of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped parsley or cilantro (coriander leaves).
That’s it! Easy, right? If you have all the ingredients, this dip can be made in a jiffy. Now enjoy!
FAQs
You can, though I find the flavor in those peppers rather lacking. Per usual, it is generally best to make things from scratch.
While you technically *can* make this dip using green bell peppers, the result will not taste the same. Capsicums are picked before they are completely ripe, which results in an earthy, vegetal taste. For the best results, I recommend using red, orange or yellow bell peppers.
Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for your preferred plant based sweetener. Traditionally, pomegranate molasses is used. You can also substitute sugarcane molasses, date syrup, agave syrup, or cane sugar.
Yes of course. This muhammara dip will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
More Dips and Spreads To Try!
Vegan Recipes
Italian Recipes
DIY Recipes – Homemade Basics
Italian Recipes
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Muhammara Recipe (Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Dip)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper – large-sized
- 2 to 3 garlic – small-sized
- ¼ cup walnuts or roasted almonds
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or pomegranate molasses or cane sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (cumin powder)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (cinnamon powder)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or cayenne or red chilli powder
- 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt as required
- ground black pepper as required
For Garnish
- 1 to 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the bell pepper with water first a few times and then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Roast the bell pepper on a stove-top flame moving it with a pair of tongs till it becomes black and chars evenly all over.
- Keep the roasted pepper it in a bowl of water for 5 minutes.
- Later remove the charred peel with your fingers or with a paring knife.
- Rinse the bell pepper again in water to remove any blackened peels stuck on the pepper. Finely chop the bell pepper.
- Add the chopped roasted pepper, garlic, lemon juice, honey, ground spices, extra virgin oil, salt and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend or process to a fine consistency.
- Transfer the muhammara to a serving bowl. Garnish with a dash of olive oil, sesame seeds and chopped parsley or coriander leaves
Notes
- The recipe can be scaled up but adjust the lemon juice, spices, seasonings as needed.
- You can adjust the honey, lemon juice, paprika or cayenne or chili powder, as per your taste.
- The garlic can also be roasted if you prefer.
- Instead of roasting the bell pepper on stove-top you can also opt to roast them in the oven.
Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)
This Muhammara recipe from the archives first published in May 2012 has been republished and updated on 7 May 2022.
Do you think I can try the same with green capsicum? I don’t think there would a big difference in taste…
yes, you can make the same recipe with green capsicum. the taste will be different.
Could u pls post some more dips that can be used as a spread on bread
will try to add.
um…..
You can make your own pomegranate molasses
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pomegranate-syrup-or-molasses-recipe/index.html
thanks for the link. will try.
This looks so yummy, shall try this. I don’t know about pomegranate molasses but I have a bottle of sugarcane molasses. That is easily available. I think I will try the recipe with that, as I am not too fond of honey.
thanks varsha. you can use sugarcane molasses. depending on its sweetness you can adjust the proportion.
I love this dip! I make it at home sometimes to use for veggies or to put on sandwiches. I could not find the molasses either. Love your recipe!
Great recipe. Waiting to get some good walnuts to make this.
That red bell pepper looks so beautiful! Lovely dip 🙂
Muhanarra… loved it. I have have been putting it off as pomegranate molasses is not so common ingredient.. I love the addition of honey..I can imagine the flavours..
Reva
Hi, The dip looks yummy:)).Can v try this recipe with green bell pepper?
traditionally the muhammara is made with red bell pepper. i won’t suggest you to make it with green bell pepper as the taste & flavors will be something different. also you will miss the authenticity of the recipe. so my suggestion would me to make the muhammara with red bell pepper only 🙂
love that creamy color and i love roasted red pepper in any which way.. i already know how this took those burgers to a whole new level of deliciousness:)) i need to make these for my next burger event!
I’m so glad you finally made it! We can’t get pomegranate molasses here either but I think the honey works well. Last time I made it with toasted hazelnuts instead of walnuts and it was really lovely, a little sweeter. Well done for roasting your own peppers too, I have an induction hob 🙁
yes natalie, the honey works well. really it was so good, that even the hubby who only likes his indian food, loved it so much.
Hi!
Is it not possible to roast the red pepper in the oven on grill/broil mode? I have an electric stove with coil..
lalita, yes you can roast the red pepper in the grill/broil mode.