Thursday, March 5, 2020

Muhammara

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Come on, fess up, how many of you have eaten dip as a meal? There is no point in denying it, I’ve seen you do it. Not to worry, you’re in good company, I’ve done it as well. Let’s face it, dips and spreads are irresistible! Plus, the versatility allows you to dip cubes of sausage, bread, fruits, vegetables, chips, crackers, almost anything that you can grasp with two fingers can be dunked, dipped, slathered, and enjoyed. We all do it, so we should probably do it with a dip that is not only tasty, but good for us. Here is that dip. Tasty and exotic, Muhammara is a Middle Eastern dip/spread that will satisfy your strongest craving while allowing you to ingest good-for-you things like vitamin C, E, and A from the sweet bell peppers, and vitamin B6 and magnesium from the walnuts. So, why deny yourself this pleasure? Dip yourself crazy and enjoy!
Muhammara 
(Middle Eastern Red Pepper and Walnut Spread)
Adapted from The New York Times

5 scallions, chopped
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 t. ground cumin
½-1 t. kosher salt

3 t. pomegranate molasses, divided
1 t. red pepper flakes, divided
5 T. olive oil, divided
¾ cup
Melissa’s red walnuts, lightly toasted
4 to 6 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs

Combine pepper, scallions, lemon juice, cumin, salt, 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 4 tablespoons olive oil and all but 2 of the walnuts in a food processor and purée until mostly smooth.

Add 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs and pulse to combine. If mixture is still too loose to hold its shape, add remaining breadcrumbs and pulse again. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes.

Scrape spread into a bowl and make a well in the center with the back of a spoon. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes in the well. Crush the reserved walnuts between your fingers and sprinkle over the top.



5 comments:

  1. I could dive into that dip! Trader Joe's makes one that I love, but yours looks so fresh and delish!

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  2. Wow what an exotic dish! I was expecting it to have eggplant or chickpeas, but walnuts and peppers and pomegranate molasses - yum! Is it sweet-ish at all?

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  3. Linda, no, it’s not sweet at all. It’s just fresh and delicious to such an extent that you’ll want to eat it with a spoon.

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  4. Wow, this is totally a new one for me!! Looks interesting and YES I could totally eat dip for dinner.....or a good fondue, yummm!

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  5. My friend whose husband is from Morocco makes this appetizer and brings it to parties. It is always a big hit. Thanks for the recipe. It looks delicious.

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Thank you so much for commenting, I love every one of them! I am, however, unable to respond to anonymous comments.