Recipe of the Day

Muhammara (Red Pepper Appetizer)

posted on: Dec 8, 2014

This tasty well-known Aleppo dish, usually served as an appetizer, adds colour to a mazza table.

• 1 1/2 cups ground walnuts
• 4 large sweet red peppers
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate syrup, dissolved in a little water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Place walnuts in a mixing bowl and set aside.

Place peppers in an oven, then broil for about an hour, turning them over a number of times until they blister on all sides. Remove from oven and allow to cool, then skin and remove seeds. Chop very finely or process in a food processor for a minute, then combine with walnuts and remaining ingredients, except pine nuts and olive oil. Spread on a platter, then chill for about 2 hours. Just before serving, decorate with pine nuts and sprinkle with olive oil, then serve with crackers or pita bread.