Dive into a world of flavor with our Muhammara Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip! This Middle Eastern delight is not just a dip; it’s a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With its smoky roasted red peppers, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of garlic, every bite is a celebration of rich, vibrant flavors. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dip is easy to make and even easier to devour. Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large roasted red peppers
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are using raw walnuts, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the walnuts are roasting, prepare your roasted red peppers. If you are using store-bought roasted red peppers, simply drain them. If you are roasting them yourself, place the whole peppers on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered. Once done, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes to steam, which will make peeling easier.
- Once the roasted red peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin, remove the stems and seeds, and chop them roughly.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, roasted walnuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, cumin, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure everything is well combined.
- After blending, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. You can also add a little more olive oil if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Transfer the Muhammara dip to a serving bowl. For presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with some chopped walnuts or a dash of paprika if desired.
- Serve the Muhammara dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or use it as a spread on sandwiches. Enjoy your delicious Middle Eastern appetizer!
Tips
- Roasting Walnuts: If you're using raw walnuts, roasting them enhances their flavor significantly. Keep a close eye on them in the oven to ensure they don’t burn—about 10-12 minutes should do the trick!
- Choosing Peppers: For the best taste, opt for high-quality roasted red peppers. If you're roasting your own, remember that the charring adds a depth of flavor, so don’t rush the process.
- Texture Matters: For a creamier dip, blend a bit longer or add an extra drizzle of olive oil. Adjust the consistency to your liking!
- Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while more salt can enhance the overall taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Muhammara dip with warm pita bread, crunchy fresh veggies, or even as a spread on sandwiches for a delightful twist.
- Make Ahead: This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
- Garnish for Flair: A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or paprika on top not only enhance the flavor but also make for a stunning presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
