Muhammara

Muhammara is a Syrian roasted red pepper and walnut dip that is often confused with generic pepper dips — but the ingredient that defines authentic muhammara is pomegranate molasses. This thick, dark, sweet-tart syrup provides the essential depth that Monica described when she called Nikita's version 'so delicious.' Without it, you have a pleasant pepper dip; with it, you have muhammara. The balance of flavours should be smoky from the roasted peppers, nutty from toasted walnuts, sweet-tart from the pomegranate molasses, warm from Aleppo pepper, and bright from lemon juice. Crucially, retain texture from the walnuts — pulse rather than blend, leaving visible nut pieces throughout. Breadcrumbs act as a thickener and body-builder. Pat jarred roasted peppers very dry before processing, as excess moisture makes the dip thin and watery. Muhammara improves overnight as the flavours meld.