Muhammara originates from Aleppo and is also common in Turkey (Anatolia) where it is called acuka. There, Arab dishes are more prevalent in the local cuisine due to Syrian cultural influence, as well as in Western Armenian cuisine.
▶The main ingredients include: peppers, fresh or dried, Aleppo pepper, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil.
It can also contain garlic, salt, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and cumin.
And be garnished with mint leaves.
▶Muhammara is consumed spread on bread or as a dip.
It is also used as a sauce to flavor kebabs, grilled meats, or fish.
▶▶I paired it with beetroot chips.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 6 people
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, Autumn
Ingredients
- 25 oz red peppers
- 2.5 oz walnuts
- to taste olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- to taste cumin
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- to taste salt
Steps
Bake the peppers at 350°/430°F for 40-30 minutes. Once cooled, remove the skin.
Chop the peppers and walnuts together, add the oil, garlic, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, and cumin. Adjust the salt.
Serve (optional) with a mint leaf, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds.
FAQ
What is Aleppo pepper?
Used in the Middle East and particularly in Syria and Turkey, Aleppo Pepper is suitable for adding to salads, cheeses, and raw fish.
Mixed with herbs and other spices, it is suitable for marinating meat and chicken for grilling, flavoring a lentil soup or cacik, a cold sauce similar to tzatziki.
It can replace spicy paprika or chili pepper.
It pairs well with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
