Muhammara Recipe
This Turkish-style Muhammara, also known as Acuka, is a rich red pepper and walnut dip made with red pepper paste, tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, breadcrumbs, walnuts, and spices. Serve it as a dip, spread, mezze, or sauce.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 207kcal
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon red pepper paste (or 2 tablespoons red pepper paste plus 2 large roasted red peppers)
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (100 g / 3½ oz)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (15 g / ½ oz)
- 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, then cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
- If using roasted red peppers, blend them first until mostly smooth. Reduce the red pepper paste to 2 tablespoons, then add the blended peppers to the pan with the red pepper paste and tomato paste.
- Stir in the garlic, chili flakes, paprika, sesame seeds, Cajun spice, and dried thyme or oregano. Cook for another minute, stirring all the time so the garlic does not burn.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs and finely chopped walnuts.
- Taste before adding salt, as red pepper paste and tomato paste can already be salty.
- Let the mixture cool before transferring it to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with extra walnuts, sesame seeds, parsley, or chili flakes if you like.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding them for a better flavor.
- Use mild or hot red pepper paste, depending on how spicy you want the dip.
- You can use roasted red peppers instead of some or all of the red pepper paste. The texture will be smoother and the flavor lighter.
- Drain jarred roasted red peppers well before using them.
- Leave out the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses if you want a tangier Middle Eastern-style muhammara.
- Check the seasoning before adding salt, as red pepper paste and tomato paste are often salty.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Pouring a thin layer of olive oil over the top can help keep it fresh.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 369mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 209IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg