Aleppo Pepper Muhammara
Along with with the Israeli Zahtar Flatbread that was posted earlier, we served Aleppo Pepper Muhammara and Humus. when our gourmet group met. I immediately fell in love with the Aleppo Pepper Muhammara! I had no idea what a Muhammara was but I knew it had to be a good thing!
So, what is Aleppo Pepper and what is Muhammara? An Aleppo Pepper is a type of chili pepper that is from Aleppo, Syria. It has a robust flavor and a moderate heat level. Aleppo Pepper flakes can be substituted for crushed red peppers. I loved the flavor and bit of spark it provided for the Muhammara.
A Muhammara is a Middle Eastern dip mixture consisting primarily of roasted red peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses....a little garlic, lemon juice and of course, Aleppo Pepper flakes! It is served with toasted pita or crudities.
Aleppo Pepper Muhammara
adapted from World Spice Merchants
1 1/2 cups walnuts, roasted
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp sea salt flakes
1 Tbsp Aleppo Pepper
3 1/2 Tbsp. pomegranate molasses
1 toasted pita, cut into small triangles
In a food processor or blender, pulse the roasted walnuts until they are broken down into small pieces.
Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Taste for seasoning...you may wish to add additional salt, lemon juice or pomegranate molasses.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with toasted pita chips.
The Muhammara may be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
It has been so much fun exploring the distinctive flavors of the Middle East! I think I need another container of the Muhammara to snack on....
Muhammara is a new one for me. It sounds so easy to do in the food processor and I love the idea that it keeps well. A winner for sure.
ReplyDeleteSam
It's new to me to and I ma grateful for that.Love red peppers..have the molasses:)
ReplyDeleteI love dishes like this..Love warming up Naan and spreading :)
We havea great falafel place in town and I love the Muhammara there. Yours looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this type of pepper and would love to give it a try sometime. This sounds like the perfect party appetizer or snack to pack for work. Would love to spread this on some flatbread. This looks so delicious.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this or pomegranate molasses. Sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI'm crazy about Middle Eastern food, so many interesting, unique combinations of flavors. This sounds so good Kate, I know your group gobbled it up!
ReplyDeleteAleppo Peppers are my favorite unless I really need the heat from a the regular red pepper flakes. I love it because it's oily and it sticks to food easily and for us has a perfect heat level. I must give this a try. I've never heard of Muhammara.
ReplyDelete