Mhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)

Muhammara or M'hammara (as it is pronounced) is a traditional sweet and savory red pepper spread from the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Mhammara combines roasted sweet red peppers, toasted walnuts, pomegranate molasses, a touch of spice and a few other ingredients to create a flavorful roasted red pepper walnut dip that is sure to impress!

For those who enjoy a bold, slightly sweet, tangy, spicy, and nutty spread, this dish is a must-try. This delicious roasted red pepper dip will bring a touch of the Middle-East to your table making it a great addition to any gathering.

Jump to:

• How to Make it
• Ingredients Overview
• Steps Overview
• Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Instructions
• More Middle Eastern Recipes
• M'hammara

How to Make it

Here's an overview of the ingredients for a homemade Muhammara dip recipe. Please see ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Ingredients Overview

• Roasted Red Bell Peppers: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
• Toasted walnuts: These add texture and a rich, nutty flavor.  
• Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you have a gluten intolerance.
• Pomegranate Molasses: Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Blending in olive oil enhances the richness and texture of the dip.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Contribute a punch of flavor.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds smokiness to the dip.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• Chili pepper or Aleppo pepper: Since I could not find Aleppo pepper, I used a small deseeded pepper to add heat. If you can find it, use Aleppo pepper since it's authentic to this dish.

Steps Overview

1. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the broiler. Prepare the red bell peppers and place them cut side down on baking sheet. Broil for about 10 minutes, or until their skins start to blister and char.

2. Transfer the broiled bell peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes or so to loosen their skins, then peel them off and discard.

3. Combine the peeled red peppers with the toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt and if desired, a chili pepper (seeds removed) in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until mostly smooth. I prefer to keep it slightly textured, but feel free to make it as smooth as you like!
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips

• Muhammara stands out for its nutty flavor. For the best taste, use fresh walnuts and toast them to enhance their flavor. Make sure to taste your walnuts to ensure they're fresh. Fresh walnuts have a mild, nutty flavor, while rancid ones will taste unpleasantly bitter or off.
• Since I couldn't find Aleppo pepper, I used a deseeded chili pepper for heat and ground cumin for smokiness. If you can find Aleppo pepper, it’s a mild, smoky spice that’s authentic to this dish and a great alternative to regular chili pepper. Start with 1 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper and adjust to taste. You can also reduce the cumin by half, as Aleppo pepper adds its own smoky flavor.
• Process the ingredients until mostly smooth, leaving a bit of texture.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. You might want more acidity, a touch more salt, or extra spice depending on your preferences.
• The texture and consistency of M'hammara can also be adjusted to suit your preferences. Blend it until smooth for a creamy dip, or keep it slightly chunky for more texture. My version has a thinner consistency. For a thicker spread, reduce the amount of olive oil added in the food processor, or add more walnuts or breadcrumbs. 

Serving Suggestions

M'hammara is perfect for hosting a gathering. Serve this popular spread with fresh pita bread or pita chips and fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

For an authentic mezze spread, serve it as a small dish alongside other Middle-Eastern favorites like Labneh, Hummus, Tabbouleh, Baba Ganoush, and a bowl of olives.

M'hammara also makes a great accompaniment to grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even as a spread on wraps for an extra burst of flavor. You can also use it as a topping for grilled meats, such as Kafta Kebabs and Chicken Shawarma Kebabs.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Muhammara in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a few days.

Enjoy!

More Middle Eastern Recipes

• Lebanese Red Lentil Soup
• Lebanese Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Khyar Bi Laban)
• Fattoush Salad
• Lebanese Tabbouleh
• Baklava Rolls