This hot paste called Muhammara, is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. There is nothing that can go wrong about this recipe. Just be careful about how spicy the hot pepper paste and the red pepper flakes are, and adjust to your taste.
Origins of muhammara
This dish is attributed to the Circassians and the Levant, which includes eastern Mediterranean, its islands, and the lands it borders. In order to cope with the cold weather in these areas during winter, muhammara is eaten generally on a piece of bread, in the mornings for breakfast.
There are slight differences in the way Muhammara is prepared in different countries. Some include roasted red peppers, some drizzle pomegranate sauce, but all the recipes end up with a recipe that is delicious and can be enjoyed any time of the day.
How do you pronounce Muhammara?
It is pronounced as written: muhammara, not that it is important to correctly pronounce it. The origin of the word is Arabic, meaning painted red.
Ingredients
Walnuts: Coarsely chopped walnuts is a major player in Muhammara. If you have allergies you can consider replacing it with roasted chickpeas, but it will make a difference in the taste.
Bread: Muhammara is a good way to use stale bread. Any type of bread can be used. You can substitute bread with bread crumbs. You can turn the bread into crumbs using a food processor. I just wet the bread in a thin wire colander and press down to get rid of excess water.
Lemon juice, gives the mixture an acidic flavor and makes a huge difference.
White cheese can be substituted with finely grated mozzarella or can be left out. I do not find feta cheese suitable for this recipe as feta is chewy and is at its best when roasted and still warm.
Cumin, makes a huge difference add generously. Although some suggest substituting with paprika, it will not be the same.
Tomato paste is needed for taste, color and texture.
Pepper paste has hot or mild versions. Add your spices according to which type of pepper you will be using. If pepper paste is not available, increase the amount of hot pepper flakes and double the tomato paste.
Garlic cloves are a must. You can substitute it with garlic powder. You can use more if you like garlic.
Make sure you use salt and red pepper flakes according to your likes. You can substitute red pepper flakes with paprika.
Muhammara preparation tips
You need to chop, use a mortar and pestle or use a food processor for the walnuts. Some prefer to turn the walnuts into powder, but I prefer to feel the crunchiness of the walnuts so if you are the same, make sure not to turn the walnuts into a powder.
Wet the bread-about 3 thick slices of 100 grams with drinkable water. The amount of water is not important. Then squeeze out the water and discard. You can easily use a colander. Put the wetted bread in the colander and press down.
If after mixing all the ingredients, you end up with a too creamy texture, you can add some more bread (or breadcrumbs) – not wetted but grated this time. If you end up with a too dry texture, you can add some more olive oil.
Roast diagonal cut slices of bread and generously spread the muhammara on each slice. You can choose to garnish with parsley as well.
How long does Muhammara last in the fridge?
All my family members, but especially our daughter has grown so fond of muhammara that I often have it available in the fridge. Yes, this is the best part. You can prepare it and keep the muhammara in the fridge.
Muhammara can last up to 10 days in the fridge when kept in a covered glass container. But believe me, it is finished very quickly because it is very tasty and literally can be eaten any time of the day.
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe check my other similar recipes below. Enjoy.
Muhammara Recipe
Ingredients
- 150 grams walnuts
- 100 grams white bread
- 50 grams white cheese grated
- 50 grams olive oil
- ½ lemon
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon red tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Instructions
- Chop the walnuts using a food processor, but do not turn them into a powder.
- Wet the bread with drinkable water. Squeeze out and discard the excess water. Add to the walnuts.
- Wash, grate the white cheese and add. Feta cheese will also do.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add with the rest of the ingredients.
- Mix well using a wooden spoon.
- Roast bread slices and spread Muhammara on top of each slice. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
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