Muhammara
A dark red, sweet-sour-mildly spicy Syrian meze made by crushing and blending roasted red pepper with walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, and red pepper flakes. Spread on bread or eaten as a meze.
What Is Muhammara?
Muhammara is a Syrian meze made by roasting red peppers, peeling their skin, and mashing them together with walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. It is one of the most well-known meze recipes of Aleppo cuisine.
It has a dark reddish-brown color and a coarsely mashed, thick texture; it offers a balanced blend of sweet pepper, tangy pomegranate, and mildly hot pepper flakes.
Nutritional Values of Muhammara
100 grams of muhammara contains approximately 320 kcal of energy; it carries fat from walnuts and olive oil. Values vary by recipe and are approximate.
How Should Muhammara Be Consumed?
Muhammara is consumed in moderate amounts as a meze/sauce, as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; muhammara is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People with nut allergies should avoid muhammara.
How to Choose Muhammara?
A good muhammara has a dark reddish-brown color, a sweet-tangy pepper smell, and a high real pepper-to-walnut ratio in the ingredient list.
- The color should be dark reddish-brown
- The smell should be sweet-tangy pepper, not rancid-stale
- The ingredient list should show a high real pepper and walnut ratio
How Is Muhammara Stored?
Muhammara can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days; adding a thin layer of olive oil on top reduces air contact and extends its freshness.
Using Muhammara in the Kitchen
Muhammara is used most often as part of a meze spread with flatbread/lavash, and also as a sauce alongside grilled meat and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are muhammara and acuka the same thing?
They are close relatives; both are based on red pepper and walnut, but muhammara originates from Syria/Aleppo and has a distinct pomegranate molasses flavor, while acuka is a recipe unique to Turkish cuisine.
How is muhammara made at home?
Roasted red peppers are peeled and coarsely blended in a food processor with walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
Is muhammara available in Turkey?
It is common in southeastern Anatolian cuisine and stores selling Middle Eastern products, and can be found in many meze restaurants.