How to Make Muhammara (Spicy Red Pepper Dip)

By
Anita Schecter
Anita Schecter_BW
Anita Schecter
Professional recipe developer, food photographer, and blogger with more than a decade of experience creating Middle Eastern recipes.
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Updated on 02/19/23
Muhammara dip

Esin Deniz / Getty Images

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 8 servings

Muhammara, a name derived from the Arabic word for reddened, is a spicy red pepper and walnut dip. Its origins are Syrian but it's now found all over the Middle East and Turkey.

There are plenty of variations but the most common ingredients are olive oil, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and fresh or dried peppers. Other frequently used ingredients can include spices like cumin, mint, garlic, lemon juice, and even pomegranate molasses. It is easy to make and can be served warm or cold. We like it as an alternative or secondary option to regular hummus and it's great to make ahead for a party. Serve it, as you would hummus, in a bowl with toasted pita wedges, fresh veggies or anything else you'd like to dip. We also love hummus as a spread on sandwiches and muhammara works just as well and adds a fabulous little kick.

Because it's such a flavorful dip, it also works well as a sauce for meat, chicken and even fish. This particular muhammara recipe is not too spicy and perfect for beginners. But, while it may seem a bit intimidating at first, once you start making this dish, you'll find your perfect balance of ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 3 red bell peppers
  • 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and diced)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup walnuts (crushed)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder or 1 fresh Fresno chile (chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

  2. Place the whole red peppers on a greased baking sheet.

  3. Roast for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning approximately every four minutes. (If desired, you can also substitute jarred or deli ready-made roasted red peppers.)

  4. In the meantime, place the breadcrumbs in a food processor and add 2 tablespoons of cold water.

  5. Blend to make a puree.

  6. Add more water as needed.

  7. Remove the peppers from the oven and peel off the skin.

  8. Cut open and remove the seeds.

  9. Cut into pieces and add to the breadcrumb mixture in the food processor.

  10. In a small saute pan, saute the diced onions until lightly browned.

  11. Add the sauteed onions and olive oil to the food processor and blend to a dip consistency.

  12. Add the remaining ingredients and blend, adding olive oil as needed.

  13. Remove from the food processor and place in a serving bowl.

  14. Serve with pita wedges, veggies, or use as a dipping sauce for kebabs.

Recipe Variation

  • You can also toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for about five minutes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
248 Calories
22g Fat
12g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 248
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 96mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Protein 4g
Calcium 39mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)