Muhammara - A Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Walnut Spread
Muhammara is a wonderful spread, chutney or dip made with roasted red bell pepper, walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
Ingredients
- 1 Large Red Bell Peppe
- 4 Spring Onions, Scallions or Madras Onions
- 2/3 Cup Walnuts
- 1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 2 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 5 tbsp Olive Oil
- 6 tbsp Bread Crumbs
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
Method 1 to Roast the Red Bell Pepper
- Dry the red bell pepper thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer of oil.
- Over medium flame, roast the red bell pepper on open flame.
- Rotate at regular intervals for uniform roasting.
- Roast till the skin starts to char and blister.
- Let the red bell pepper cool.
- Cut open and discard the stem and seeds.
- Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips.
Method 2 to Roast the Red Bell Pepper
- Cut open the red bell pepper and discard the stem and seeds.
- Toss the red bell pepper in some olive oil.
- Place on a baking tray.
- Bake at 150C for about 20 minutes or till the bell pepper is soft.
- Let the bell pepper cool.
Method 3 to Roast the Red Bell Pepper (I used this method)
- Cut open the red bell pepper and discard the stem and seeds.
- Cut the bell pepper into 1" strips.
- In pan, heat some olive oil.
- Place the red bell pepper strips and let cook till they soften.
- Flip over and cook the other side for a couple of minutes.
- Let the bell pepper cool.
Toasting the Walnuts
- Break the walnuts into smaller pieces.
- In a pan, over medium heat, dry roast the walnut pieces till they start to change colour.
- Set aside to cool
Method to Make Muhammara
- Set aside about 1 tsp of small walnut pieces.
- If you are using madras onions, peel them.
OR
If you are using spring onions or scallions, cut off the ends. - Grind the bell pepper, walnuts, onions, lemon juice, cumin powder, pomegranate molasses, red chilli powder, 3 tbsp olive oil and salt to a coarse paste.
- Add the bread crumbs and just pulse the Muhammara till the bread crumbs are incorporated.
- Transfer the Muhammara into a bowl.
- Sprinkle the walnut pieces and drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Serve with Pita Bread, Lavash or Crackers.