This extra creamy Muhammara is so delicious. It has all the elements of a traditional Muhammara red pepper dip, but has a surprise addition. Adding tahini to this flavorful dairy free dip works surprisingly well. It makes this Mediterranean classic dip recipe extra smooth and creamy. You will love this unexpected twist on the traditional red pepper and walnut dip. This recipe post was sponsored by Mighty Sesame Co. I have been compensated for using their product but all opinions are my own.
Why you will love this extra creamy Muhammara Dip
There is so much to love about this Mediterranean dip recipe. First, it is really easy to make! It is seldom you find such a delicious recipe that is so simple to prepare. Second, it has all the incredible flavors of Muhammara. The roasted red peppers blended with olive oil, garlic, breadcrumbs, lemon and walnuts is so tasty. The pomegranate molasses brings such a distinct sweetness and tang. Then added tahini brings it to the next level with a silky smooth texture that rivals hummus and baba ganoush. This dip is both good for you and a decadent treat.
What is Muhammara
Muhammara is a Middle Eastern dip made by blending roasted red peppers and walnuts. It originates from Syria and is eaten in many Middle Eastern countries. This dip includes tangy pomegranate molasses, chiles, breadcrumbs and olive oil. Tahini is not a traditional ingredient. This sweet and tangy dip with a hint of spice is delicious, satisfying and the perfect accompaniment to pita bread or crackers.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a paste made from grinding sesame seeds. It originates from the Middle East and is used often in Mid East and Mediterranean cooking. You probably know it as one of the staple ingredients in hummus. I use tahini in many of my recipes, which is why I added it to this non-traditional Muhammara recipe. My favorite organic tahini is Mighty Sesame Co. because it is always runny, never clumpy and only has one ingredient: sesame seeds.
Ingredients for extra creamy Muhammara
The ingredients list for this recipe is small but a couple of the ingredients can be harder to find. You can check Amazon for the more obscure ingredients or use the substitutes offered.
- Red bell peppers- Roasted red peppers are the base of this delicious Middle Eastern red pepper dip. They are sweet and tangy and give Muhammara it's vibrant color. To make this recipe even easier, use jarred red peppers.
- Toasted walnuts- Walnuts make Muhammara creamy when blended with red peppers. If you are allergic to nuts, substitute sunflower seeds without the husk.
- Garlic- Garlic adds an earthy and pungent flavor.
- Pomegranate molasses- Pom molasses is a distinct sweet and tangy flavor. If you cannot find it in the store, order it on Amazon. Another option is to use a drizzle of maple syrup to sweeten the dip slightly and skip the molasses. Just be careful you don't over sweeten it.
- Lemon- Lemon adds a citrusy bite to this dish that balances out the sweetness.
- Cumin- Cumin has a distinct earthy flavor that is perfect in Middle Eastern dips.
- Salt
- Evoo- Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes this a very smooth texture.
- Breadcrumbs- Plain breadcrumbs make this dip a bit thicker. If you are gluten free, leave out the breadcrumbs and use only 2tbsp olive oil.
- Tahini- Sesame tahini is the star of this recipe. Traditional Muhammara is amazing but with tahini added it is extraordinary. The tahini gives it a super creamy texture and balances the flavors.
- Pomegranate arils optional
How to make extra creamy Muhammara
Muhammara is surprisingly easy to make. You need an oven, a sheet pan, a sauté pan and a blender or food processor.
- Roast the peppers- This is a really simple step. Just split the peppers in half, remove the seeds and stems, season and oven roast. Forget standing over the stove, turning the peppers, a sheet pan makes this job easy.
- Toast the walnuts- Do this in a sauce pan on your stovetop or in the oven on a sheet pan.
- Blend the ingredients- Add the roasted peppers and toasted walnuts to a blender along with sesame tahini and all the other ingredients and blend until smooth.
Other Tahini Recipes you will love
Extra Creamy Muhammara
Ingredients
- 3 roasted red bell peppers
- 1 cup toasted walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Split peppers in half and pop out seeds and stems. Place on a sheet pan and spray with olive oil and season with a sprinkle of salt. Cook for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant. Let cool.
- Toast walnuts on a sheet pan or in a pan on the stove until fragrant and remove from heat.
- In a high speed blender or food processor, add peppers, walnuts, garlic, pomegranite molasses, lemon, cumin, salt, breadcrumbs, olive oil and tahini. Blend until smooth and creamy
- Garnish with pomegranate arils if desired. Serve with pita or crackers
- Enjoy within 4-5 days when refrigerated and stored in the refrigerator.