Muhammara

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For other uses, see Muhammerah.
Muhammara
Alternative namesAcuka
CourseDip
Place of originAleppo, Syria
Region or stateSyria
Associated cuisineSyrian cuisine
Serving temperatureCold
Main ingredientsBell pepper, walnuts, pomegranate molasses
Ingredients generally usedred chili paste, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin
  •   Media: Muhammara

The muhammara or mhammara (Arabic: محمرة, lit. 'something that has turned red') is a dip made of walnuts, red bell peppers, pomegranate molasses, and breadcrumbs. While commonly associated with Syria,[1] muhammara can also be found in Western Armenian cuisine.[2] In western Turkey, muhammara is referred to as acuka and is served as part of the mezze platter appetizer course.[3][4]

Ingredients

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The principal ingredients are fresh red bell peppers; pomegranate molasses for a characteristic sweet-tart note; Aleppo pepper flakes; ground walnuts for a crunchy texture; breadcrumbs to thicken the puree; garlic to enhance the flavors; red chili paste (optional); salt and extra virgin olive oil, all blended into a smooth yet slightly chunky paste. It sometimes contains lemon juice and spices such as cumin.[5][6] In Damascus, tahini is sometimes added.[5] It may be garnished with extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, mint leaves or parsley. Served with pita bread.

The peppers may be sun-dried or grilled rather than fresh.[7][5][8]

Traditionally, it is prepared using mortar and pestle.[5]

Usage

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Muhammara is eaten as a dip with bread served with the cold mezze, as a topping for manakish or as a sauce for kebabs (skewers), grilled vegetables, grilled meats, and fish.[9][10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Wright, Clifford (2003). The Little Foods of the Mediterranean: 500 Fabulous Recipes for Antipasti, Tapas, Hors D'Oeuvre, Meze, and More. Harvard Common Press. p. 59. ISBN 9781558322271. Arabs will reflexively tell you that the famous muḥammara comes from Aleppo, Syria.
  2. ^ Cornell, Kari; Turkoglu, Nurcay (2004). Cooking the Turkish Way: Culturally Authentic Foods Including Low-fat and Vegetarian Recipes. Lerner Publications. ISBN 9780822521730.
  3. ^ Heather Arndt Anderson (2016). Chillies: A Global History. Reaktion Books. ISBN 9781780236827.
  4. ^ "Nefis acuka tarifi". Milliyet.com.tr.
  5. ^ a b c d Marks, Gil (17 November 2010). Encyclopedia of Jewish Food. HMH. ISBN 978-0-544-18631-6. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Mouhammara". www.recettelibanaise.com. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  7. ^ Campbell, Scott (1 August 2025). "This Food-Filled Street in Istanbul Is a Haven for Breakfast Lovers". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  8. ^ Assil, Reem. "Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper–Walnut Spread)". Sunset Magazine. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  9. ^ Leah Koenig (2017). Little Book of Jewish Appetizers. Chronicle Books. ISBN 9781452163086.
  10. ^ Muhammara Archived 2007-06-09 at the Wayback Machine