Recently, I had to pick up dinner after work before I went to rehearsal. I stopped into a new restaurant in Beverly Hills that looked like a Deli. I had found a parking spot right in front and just wanted to run in and out and take my sandwich or salad with me. Once inside, I realized the restaurant served salads along with Middle Eastern fare. I looked down into the deli case and there it was – a large ceramic dish filled with something I had
Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip. Delish!
never heard of before, Muhammara Dip. They were nice enough to offer me a taste of it. It was one of the most delicious dips I had ever had. I immediately had to go home and research what the ingredients in this dip were and make it.
It turns out Muhamarra is served all over the Middle East including Turkey and supposedly the recipe originated in Syria. Either way, since it can be made quickly in a blender using all natural ingredients, it is now a healthy recipe to be made in my kitchen regularly here in the good old USA. Like the other recipes I post here, you can easily change up the quantities of ingredients to your liking and it will still turn out delicious. Don’t like hot dishes? Omit the spicy pepper. Prefer it less sweet? Then add less Pomegranate Syrup. Speaking of Pomegranate Syrup, you can find it in ethnic markets rather easily here in Los Angeles or even in health food stores where it’s offered as a healthy supplement to be taken in spoonfuls. I always have Pomegranate Juice from Trader Joes in my fridge for various reasons, one of which includes vodka. I just reduce the juice down on a low flame until it becomes a syrup. But it is certainly much easier to purchase the syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Walnuts
- 1 (12 ounce) jar Roasted Red Bell Peppers
- 3 Tablespoons Pomegranate Syrup
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oli
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Pinch (or more if you like it spicy) Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Squeeze of Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Add all ingredients with the exception of the oil into a food processor or blender. Blend until mixed and then add the olive oil slowly into the mix. Cover and chill until ready to serve with Pita Bread or Vegetables like Celery etc…Great option when entertaining guests who eat Vegan or Gluten Free!