Muhammara (Red Pepper Dip)

Muhammara, also known as Acuka in Turkish, is a delicious Middle Eastern dip made with red pepper paste, garlic, walnuts, spices, and olive oil.

It is extremely easy to prepare and is ready in 15 minutes with minimal cleaning up!

This spicy and aromatic dip is also known as Ajika (or Adjika) in Russia and Georgia.

Jump to:

• What is Muhammara?
• Why This Recipe Works?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How To Make Muhammara?
• Top Tips From the Chef
• How to Use Muhammara?
• Storage Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Muhammara (Red Pepper Dip)

In Turkey, Muhammara (or Acuka) is served as a breakfast spread along with Homemade Sandwich Bread, Taboon - Palestinian Flatbread, or Simit (Turkish Sesame Bagel).

It is also perfect as a part of a mezze platter, for making sandwiches, or for serving with roasted meat and fish.

What is Muhammara?

Muhammara is a popular Middle Eastern/Turkish dip made with red pepper paste, walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, spices, and olive oil.

This versatile dish is also known as acuka, adjika, or ajika and can be served as an appetizer, meze, dip, spread, or sauce.

Muhammara is similar to red pepper pesto and might contain roasted red pepper or red pepper paste, depending on the region.

I prefer using red pepper paste because it intensifies the flavor and saves me time. However, you can use roasted red peppers instead for a lighter taste and smoother texture.

In some parts of Syria and Lebanon, for example, the dip is made with pomegranate molasses, while in other areas, it's made with hot pepper paste.

Why This Recipe Works?

• Muhammara is very easy to prepare and ready in just 15 minutes.

• The leftovers will keep for up to two weeks when refrigerated in an airtight container or in a jar.

• Just like Mutabal (Roasted Eggplant Dip), Muhammara is a versatile dish that you can serve as a spread, dip, appetizer, mezze, or sauce.

• You can play around with ingredients by adding or removing ingredients and creating your own version of Muhammara dip.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Pepper paste - Turkish red pepper paste is a rich, delicious paste made with juicy, spicy red peppers and I use it quite often in my Turkish recipes. You can buy it from Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or online from Amazon. You can substitute it with jarred or freshly roasted red peppers. However, your Muhammara will have a lighter taste and a smoother texture.

• Tomato paste - It mellows the flavor profile and adds sweetness as well as adding bright red color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops. You can also buy it from Amazon .

• Walnuts - They are one of the key ingredients for the Muhammara (acuka/adjika) recipe. Walnuts add texture and nutty flavor to this deliciously spiced dip. Lightly toast them before using them to intensify the flavor.

• Breadcrumbs - They add extra texture and body to the spread. Leave them out to make this delicious dip gluten-free.

• Spices - I use paprika, chili flakes, cajun spices, and thyme for making Muhammara dip. You can adjust the amount to your taste, or add your favorite spices.

How To Make Muhammara?

Muhammara-Acuka (Red Pepper Dip) is extremely easy to make and requires a few pantry ingredients. However, to achieve the best results, you need to follow a few simple steps:

Place a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the red pepper paste and tomato paste to the pan and cook together for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

If you want to add roasted red peppers to your Muhammara, blitz 2 large roasted red peppers and reduce the amount of red pepper paste by half.

Add blitzed peppers to the pan along with the red pepper paste and tomato paste.

Stir in the garlic, chili, paprika, sesame seeds, cajun spices, and thyme, and sauté together for another minute.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs along with the walnuts. 

Let the mixture cool down before transferring it to a serving dish.

Top Tips From the Chef

• Lightly toast the walnuts before using them to intensify the flavor.

• Substitute red pepper paste with jarred or freshly roasted red peppers. However, your Muhammara will have a lighter taste and a smoother texture.

• Leave the breadcrumbs out to make this delicious dip gluten-free.

• Check the seasoning before adding the salt as most of the ready-made tomato paste and red pepper paste contains some salt already.

How to Use Muhammara?

Muhammara is a versatile dip that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some popular ways to use it:

• As a Dip - Just like Homemade Labneh (Yogurt Cheese), Havuc Tarator - Turkish Carrot Dip with Yogurt, and Greek Fava Recipe - Split Pea Dip, Muhammara is often served as a dip along with some crackers or Pita Bread. It pairs particularly well with crudité platters that feature fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper.

• As a Spread - Muhammara can be used as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or even burgers. It adds a deliciously spicy and nutty flavor to any dish. My favorite way to serve it is as a breakfast spread along with tangy feta cheese

• As a Sauce - Muhammara can be used as a sauce for Grilled Lamb Kofta, Baked Sea Bass, or Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips. It's a great way to add flavor and complexity to your dishes.

• As a Pizza Topping - Muhammara can be used as a pizza topping instead of tomato sauce. Top your pizza with muhammara, roasted vegetables, and cheese for a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza.

• As a Mezze - Muhammara - Acuka (or Adjika) will be a delicious addition to your dips and mezze selection.

Storage Instructions

To store Muhammara, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, muhammara can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

To thaw frozen muhammara, simply transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Before serving, give it a good stir to ensure the texture is smooth and creamy.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious dip and spread recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious Muhammara (or Ajika) Dip as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂

Bon appétit! / Afiyet Olsun! 

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