Muhammara Recipe Dinner At The Zoo

Cover Ottolenghi's Muhammara/Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe · i am a food blog i am a food blog (1450x967)

Table of Contents

1. What is Muhammara?
2. What are the ingredients of Muhammara?
3. How to make Muhammara?
4. What are some serving suggestions for Muhammara?
5. What are the health benefits of Muhammara?

What is Muhammara?

Muhammara is a Middle Eastern dip that is made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and spices. It is a popular dish in the Levantine region, which includes countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. The dip has a smooth and creamy texture, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

Muhammara is often served as an appetizer or a snack, and it can be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables. It is also a great addition to sandwiches or wraps, and it can be used as a sauce for grilled meats or vegetables.

What are the ingredients of Muhammara?

The traditional ingredients of Muhammara include:

• Roasted red peppers
• Walnuts
• Breadcrumbs
• Pomegranate molasses
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic
• Olive oil

Some variations of the recipe may also include other ingredients like chili flakes, lemon juice, or tomato paste.

How to make Muhammara?

Here is a simple recipe for Muhammara:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange 2 red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, remove the skin, stem, and seeds.
4. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of walnuts, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the roasted red peppers to the food processor and pulse again until everything is well combined.
6. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Transfer the Muhammara to a serving bowl and drizzle with some olive oil and pomegranate molasses.
8. Enjoy with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables.

What are some serving suggestions for Muhammara?

Here are some ideas for serving Muhammara:

• As a dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables
• As a spread on sandwiches or wraps
• As a sauce for grilled meats or vegetables
• As a topping for roasted sweet potatoes or baked potatoes
• As a filling for omelets or frittatas

What are the health benefits of Muhammara?

Muhammara is a nutritious and healthy dip that is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the health benefits of Muhammara:

• Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
• Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein, and they may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Pomegranate molasses is a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Cumin and paprika are both rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and it may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health, and it may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

Muhammara is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dip that is easy to make and versatile in its uses. With its combination of roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and spices, it is a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal or snack. Whether you enjoy it as a dip with pita bread, a spread on sandwiches, or a sauce for grilled meats, Muhammara is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.