Aleppo Muhammara Dip
A smoky-sweet, tangy meze dip that comes together in minutes once the peppers are roasted.
Muhammara is one of the most famous dips of Aleppan cuisine, tied to the Syrian city of Aleppo and prized for a rich flavor that balances roasted red pepper, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Its grainy texture and sweet-tart taste with a touch of heat make it perfect with bread or alongside grilled meats. A simple recipe that captures deep Levantine flavor in a single dish.
How to Prepare
Roast the red peppers in the oven, then cover them for a few minutes so the skins loosen, and peel them.
Grind the peeled peppers in a food processor, or mash to your preferred texture.
Add the crushed walnuts, breadcrumbs, chili, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon, cumin, and salt, and mix everything well.
Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve drizzled with a little olive oil.
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Let it rest in the fridge so the flavors meld, and adjust the chili and pomegranate molasses to your taste.
Ingredient Swaps
The rusk crumbs can be swapped for toasted breadcrumbs or a little semolina to adjust the texture. Instead of pomegranate molasses, use a little concentrated pomegranate juice with a pinch of sugar to approximate the sweet-tart balance. Walnuts can be replaced with almonds for a milder flavor.
Common Questions
How do I roast and peel the peppers easily?
Roast them until the skin blackens, then cover them for a few minutes so the steam loosens the skin and it peels off easily.
How do I control the heat level?
Start with a small amount of chili, taste, then add gradually until you reach the heat you want.
How long does muhammara keep in the fridge?
Store it in a sealed container for up to 5 days, ideally covering the surface with a layer of olive oil to preserve it.
Can I make it smooth?
Yes, blend it longer in the food processor to your liking, though the grainy texture is the traditional one.
What is muhammara usually served with?
It is served with Arabic bread or cut vegetables and suits mezze spreads and grilled dishes.
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