Muhammara (the name is related to the Arabic word for ‘red’) is a dip that can be found around the Middle East, but is often closely associated with Aleppo, Syria and yes, Aleppo peppers are one of the many special ingredients that make our muhammara recipe burst with deliciousness. While you may need to make a pit stop at a specialty grocer (or plan ahead and order online) this roasted red pepper dip — which is a cousin to Spain’s romesco — is easy to make once you’ve got all your ingredients. For an even easier healthy dip recipe, try our Hummus or Carrot Dip.
Muhammara Ingredients
Red bell peppers. You’ll need to roast them yourself (we’ll teach you how) and we really do think that yields the best muhammara dip. But, if you just need a short cut (and we get it) jarred roasted red peppers are OK to use.
Walnuts.
Pomegranate molasses. Once you start cooking with this Mediterranean and middle eastern pantry staple, you’ll be hooked! It’s sweetly tart and totally unique. Plus, if you ever want to cook anything from an Ottolenghi cookbook, you’re going to need it on hand.
Aleppo pepper. Fruity, zingy and yes, a bit spicy, Aleppo pepper is a classic Middle Eastern spice that brings so much authentic flavor to our muhammara dip recipe. You can substitute cayenne pepper for Aleppo pepper in a pinch, but we hope you’ll hunt down Aleppo pepper when you can, it’s unique and wonderful.
Extra-virgin olive oil. For dip recipes, we love extra virgin olive oil. Because the dip is not cooked at all, you really will taste the quality of your oil.
Breadcrumbs. Plain as can be, and not panko.
Lemon. Yet another tangy element!
Garlic. Savory, sharp, fresh garlic is a must, too!
Cumin. Just a hint of depth.
Salt. Of course.
How To Use Muhammara
Muhammara dip is really versatile! Think of it as you might any other healthy, satisfying dip or spread like hummus. Once you’ve whipped up our muhammara recipe, serve it:
As the centerpiece dip on a platter of fresh veggies.
Alongside a Middle Eastern feast! We’re thinking Falafel, Hummus, Za’atar Chicken, and more.
As a delicious sandwich spread! It would be a particularly yummy base for a towering, vegetable-loaded vegan sandwich.
We also love to serve it with a simple, perfect grilled skirt steak.
How To Store Muhammara + Tips
Leftover roasted red pepper dip will keep for up to a week in the fridge.
We don’t recommend freezing your muhammara spread. It just won’t defrost in a way that does justice to these beautiful flavors.
You can roast the red peppers ahead of time! If you’re prepping for a party, you can make your workload lighter on the day of the party by roasting the red peppers up to a week ahead of time. Or, of course, substitute jarred roasted peppers — that’s OK, too.
More Healthy Dip Recipes
Need More Dip, Spread & Sauce Ideas?
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