Your New Favorite Appetizer - Muhammara Spread
 
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A super easy and flavorful spread with roasted peppers, toasted walnuts, bread crumbs and pomegranate molasses.
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Syrian
Serves: 1.5 cups
Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup walnuts
  • 1 large roasted red pepper
  • ½ cup fine fresh bread crumbs, packed
  • 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. pomegranate molasses
  • 1 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • ¼ tsp. ground cumin
  • --- pinch of Aleppo pepper flakes (or red pepper flakes)
  • ¼-½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. Place the walnuts in a skillet and toast over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Roast the pepper (see note) and, once you can handle it, remove the skin, the seeds and the membranes. Transfer the pepper to a food processor, along with all the accumulated juices. Alternatively, use some good quality jarred roasted red peppers, drained, about 1 cup packed, or about 7oz.
  3. To the peppers add the walnuts, the bread crumbs, and the rest of the ingredients except for the olive oil. Process until the mixture is smooth, scrapping down the sides a few times. With the motor running add the olive oil gradually. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  4. Transfer the spread to a bowl, drizzle some extra olive oil, garnish with some chopped walnuts and serve it at room temperature with toasted pita triangles (see note). You can store the spread in a jar in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. Always bring it to room temperature before serving.
Notes
How to roast peppers: Brush the peppers with olive oil and place them in a lightly oiled oven-safe pan. Roast the peppers in a 425°F oven for 30 minutes or so, turning them over once or twice.

How to toast pita bread: Cut each pita bread into 8 triangles. Toss with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Arrange in one layer on a sheet pan and bake in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes flipping halfway through
Recipe by Marilena's Kitchen at https://marilenaskitchen.com/your-new-favorite-appetizer-muhammara-spread/