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    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Breakfast and Brunch

    Muhammara (Red Pepper Dip)

    Published: Oct 11, 2022 · Modified: May 11, 2023 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    muhammara  - Acuka (red pepper dip) is served in a bowl as a mezze

    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 served as a breakfast item

    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.

    muhammara is perfect for dipping simit

    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.

    labelled picture of ingredients for muhammara - acuka (red pepper dip)
    • 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.

    Sautéing the red pepper paste and tomato paste with olive oil

    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.

    blitzed roasted red peppers

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

    blitzed roasted red peppers are added to tomato paste and pepper paste

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

    breadcrumbs and walnuts are added to tomato and pepper paste

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

    mix everything and let the mixture cool down

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

    muhammara - Acuka served in a bowl with walnut

    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

    Can I add roasted red peppers to Acuka / Adjika?

    Yes, you can add roasted red peppers to your acuka mixture and leave the red pepper paste out.
    Simply blitz them before adding them to the pan with olive oil and tomato paste.
    Alternatively, you can use red peppers and red pepper paste together.
    They all will give you a different taste and texture so you can experience and decide what works best for you.

    Is Muhammara spicy?

    Muhammara can be spicy, depending on the amount and type of spices used in the recipe.
    However, it's also possible to make a milder version by reducing the amount of spice.

    Can I make this Red Pepper Dip ahead of time?

    Yes, Muhammara can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

    Related Recipes

    For more delicious dip and spread recipes why not try:

    • spicy greek feta dip served in a bowl with pita bread
      Tirokafteri (Spicy Whipped Feta Dip)
    • cacik is usually garnished with fresh mint and dill
      Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip)
    • chilli jam
      Thai Style Tomato Chili Jam
    • Haydari (Turkish Yoghurt Dip)

    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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    Muhammara (Red Pepper Dip)

    Ayla Clulee
    Muhammara (or Acuka) is a delicious Middle Eastern dip/spread/meze made with red pepper (paste), garlic, walnuts, spices, and olive oil.
    5 from 4 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Sauce, Snack
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 187 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 Measuring cups
    • 1 Rubber spatula
    • 1 frying pan

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 tablespoon red pepper paste (or 2 tablespoon red pepper paste+2 large roasted red peppers)
    • 3 tablespoon tomato paste
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 100 g walnuts (finely chopped)
    • 15 g breadcrumbs
    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
    • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon cajun spices

    Instructions
     

    • 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 it to the pan along with the tomato paste and red pepper 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.

    Notes

    • Lightly toast the walnuts before using for intensifying the flavour.
    • You can 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 for making this delicious dip gluten free.
    • The leftovers of this dip will keep for up to two weeks when refrigerated in an airtight container or in a jar.
    • It is a versatile dish, you can serve this spicy Acuka as a spread, dip, appetizer, mezze, or sauce.
    • Check the seasoning before adding the salt as most of the ready made tomato paste and red pepper paste contains some salt already.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 358mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 208IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!

    This post uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and then buy something, we get a small amount of commission to keep the site running, but it doesn’t cost you anything more.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dana

      October 18, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Thank you for sharing it, on my list to make this weekend...

      Reply
    2. Rubina Zaman

      October 23, 2023 at 2:01 am

      What brand of red pepper paste do you use? Where do you get it from?

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        October 23, 2023 at 3:51 am

        Hi Rubina!
        I use Tamek or Oncu brand pepper paste, which I purchase online from Turkish shops or Amazon. You can find a link in the post, under the ingredients list, where you can access the pepper paste.
        Hope this helps.
        Best wishes
        Ayla

        Reply
    3. Flowergarden129

      October 23, 2023 at 3:19 am

      5 stars
      This looks delicious. I don’t own a Cajun spice mix, but own many spices. What is in your Cajun spice mix?

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        October 23, 2023 at 3:55 am

        Hi Flowergarden129
        Thank you so much! The cajun spice mix is made with Paprika, Garlic Powder, cayenne pepper, Thyme, salt, and Black Pepper.
        Hope you enjoy your Muhammara.
        Best wishes
        Ayla

        Reply
      • G T

        July 13, 2024 at 12:51 pm

        Love this recipe, thanks for sharing! If you don't mind, could you please share how you plate the muhamarra in the blue bowl? That pattern looks amazing and I would like to learn how to present dips that way!

        Reply
        • Ayla Clulee

          July 13, 2024 at 12:55 pm

          Hi, thank you for your kind comment! I make the pattern with the side of a spoon.
          I hope that helps, or feel free to ask if you have more questions.
          Best wishes
          Ayla

          Reply
    4. Angela

      May 11, 2025 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      I really like the flavor - I'm not much for hot spices so I added both the thyme and the oregano and opted for smoked paprika. One thing, however, is that 4 tablespoons of the red pepper paste and 3 of the tomato paste didn't yield nearly as much as it shows in your pics... and it's also not as smooth - it's a bit separated... I welcome any suggestions.

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        May 11, 2025 at 12:46 pm

        Thanks so much for trying the recipe, Angela! The bowl in the photo actually holds about 500 ml of water, so the amount you're seeing might look a bit more than it really is. For a smoother texture, you could try mixing the mixture a little longer or adding a small splash of olive oil or even a bit more extra breadcrumbs to help it come together. Smoked paprika sounds like a lovely touch!

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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