Muhammara Sauce Recipe

About This Recipe

Muhammara is a bold and flavorful dip originating from Aleppo, Syria. Made from roasted red bell peppers, walnuts, and breadcrumbs, this Middle Eastern favorite is spiced with cumin and pomegranate molasses, creating a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Traditionally served with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches, Muhammara adds a rich depth of flavor to any meal.

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, these peppers offer powerful antioxidant properties, can help support immune health and skin vitality.
• Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, walnuts may help promote heart health and help lower inflammation.
• Pomegranate Molasses:
• Cumin: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, cumin may also aid in digestion.
• Olive Oil: A great source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supporting heart health.

How to Prepare Muhammara Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 large roasted red bell peppers (or 1 14-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained)
• ½ cup walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses (or substitute 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 3 tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Walnuts:
   Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.
2. Blend Ingredients:
   In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
3. Add Seasonings:
   Add the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, apple cider vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Adjust and Season:
   Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice to taste.
5. Serve:
   Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or use as a spread for sandwiches.

Culinary Tips

• Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more olive oil or water if it’s too thick for your liking.
• Flavor Development: Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
• Serving Suggestions: Muhammara pairs beautifully with proteins, pita bread, fresh or roasted vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.

Ingredient Notes

• Nuts: Walnuts are traditional in Muhammara, but feel free to substitute with other nuts or seeds if needed.
• Pomegranate Molasses: If you don’t have pomegranate molasses on hand, you can reduce pomegranate juice to a thick syrup for a similar flavor.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang to the sauce, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste.
• Heat Level: For a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper. If you want more smokiness, consider adding extra smoked paprika.

Muhammara Sauce Recipe

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 cups

This Muhammara Sauce is a flavorful, versatile dip that works well for appetizers or as a complement to your main dishes. Its rich texture and vibrant flavors make it a staple for Middle Eastern-inspired meals, adding a satisfying balance of tang, sweetness, and spice to every bite.

Ingredients

2 large roasted red bell peppers (or 1 14-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained)

½ cup walnuts

2 cloves garlic

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp pomegranate molasses (or substitute 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp ground cumin

3 tbsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Step 1

Prep the Walnuts:
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.

Step 2

Blend Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.

Step 3

Add Seasonings:
Add the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, apple cider vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Adjust and Season:
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice to taste.

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1 ounce

Calories Per Serving: 54 kcal

Total Fat	4.4 g
Saturated Fat	0.5 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	65.8 mg
Total Carbohydrate	3.1 g
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g
Sugars	1.5 g
Protein	0.6 g

Vitamin A	2 %
Calcium	1 %
Iron	2 %
Vitamin C	0 %
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.