Aleppo MuhammaraLevantine
PlateMap recipe · #121

Aleppo Muhammara

A coarse dip from Aleppo of roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts and breadcrumbs, sharpened with pomegranate molasses and warmed with Aleppo pepper and cumin.

50+ waiting: Plus 30 minutes of waiting time (soaking, marinating, rising or chilling)Hands-on (minutes)
6Servings
easyDifficulty
Prep:
15 minutes
Cook:
35 minutes
Waiting:
30 minutes (Rest the dip for 30 minutes so the flavors settle.)
Jump to ingredients & method
Execution guide

Method

Read the full method before starting. Cooking times are guides; check texture and doneness as you cook.

Shows the steps one at a time, with a timer for each timed step.

0 / 5done
Set up your tools

Heavy skillet, Oven and tray, Grill and tongs, Sharp knife and board

Before the heat goes on

Measure, cut, and arrange every ingredient in order of use. Read the full method and keep finishing ingredients separate.

  1. 01

    Roasting

    15 minutesHigh heat

    Roast the red bell pepper under a hot grill or over a gas flame for 12 to 15 minutes, turning, until the skin is black all over.

    Success cue

    Blackened skin all over.

  2. 02

    Peeling

    12 minutes

    Put the peppers in a covered bowl for 10 minutes, then peel them and remove the seeds.

    Success cue

    Clean red flesh with no black bits.

  3. 03

    Toasting

    5 minutesMedium heat

    Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant.

    Success cue

    Fragrant and lightly darker.

  4. 04

    Blending

    4 minutes

    Blend the peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, Aleppo pepper, cumin, garlic, lemon juice and salt into a coarse paste, then blend in the olive oil.

    Success cue

    Coarse and thick, not smooth.

  5. 05

    Resting

    30 minutes

    Rest it for 30 minutes so the flavors settle, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a few walnuts.

    Success cue

    Deep red with a sheen of oil.

PlateMap is still in testing. Quantities and results may vary with ingredients and equipment. Please check food safety yourself, especially with meat and poultry.

Cooking tips

Extra tip

Toasting the walnuts first takes away their bitterness and deepens the taste.

  • • Jarred roasted peppers work too; drain them very well.
  • • Keep it coarse; it should not be as smooth as hummus.

Common mistakes

  • • Leaving bits of black skin on the peppers, which make it bitter.
  • • Blending it to a smooth purée, so it loses its texture.

Serving ideasServe with warm bread as part of a mezze, or as a dip for grilled meat.

Potential allergens

Tree nuts, Wheat / gluten

Compound ingredients vary by product; check labels and possible cross-contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is muhammara spicy?

It has a mild, slow heat from Aleppo pepper. Add more pepper or a little chili paste if you want it hotter.

How long does it keep?

Up to 5 days in a closed jar in the fridge, with a thin layer of olive oil on top.