Muhammara (Arabic: محمرة "reddened") or mhammara is a spicy dip made of walnuts, red bell peppers, pomegranate molasses, and breadcrumbs. It is associated with Aleppo,[1] but is also found in Turkey, especially in southeastern regions, where Arab dishes are more common in the local cuisine because of the Syrian cultural influence, as well as in Western Armenian cuisine.[2] In Turkey, muhammara is referred to as acuka[3] and is served as part of the mezze platter appetizer course.[4]
 | |
| Course | Dip |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Syria |
| Region or state | Levant |
| Main ingredients | Red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, red chili paste, salt, olive oil, cumin |
Ingredients
editThe principal ingredients are usually fresh or dried peppers, usually Aleppo pepper and pomegranate molasses, optional are ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. It may also contain garlic, salt, lemon juice and sometimes spices such as cumin.[5][6] It may be garnished with mint leaves or parsley.
Usage
editMuhammara is eaten as a dip with bread, as a spread for toast, and as a sauce for kebabs, grilled meats, and fish.[5][7]
See also
edit- Ajika, a dip in Caucasian cuisine, based on a boiled preparation of hot red peppers, garlic, herbs and spices
- Ajvar, a condiment made principally from roasted peppers, eggplants, and sunflower oil or olive oil that is popular in Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and other Balkan cuisines
- Biber salçası, a hot or sweet pepper paste in Turkish cuisine
- Harissa, a hot chili pepper paste in Maghreb cuisine
- Sahawiq, a hot sauce in Middle Eastern cuisine, made from fresh hot peppers seasoned with coriander, garlic and various spices
- Peanut sauce
- List of dips
References
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ Cornell, Kari; Turkoglu, Nurcay (2004). Cooking the Turkish Way: Culturally Authentic Foods Including Low-fat and Vegetarian Recipes. Lerner Publications. ISBN 9780822521730.
- ^ Heather Arndt Anderson (2016). Chillies: A Global History. Reaktion Books. ISBN 9781780236827.
- ^ "Nefis acuka tarifi". Milliyet.com.tr.
- ^ a b Leah Koenig (2017). Little Book of Jewish Appetizers. Chronicle Books. ISBN 9781452163086.
- ^ "Muhammara". ottolenghi.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-09-29.
- ^ Muhammara Archived 2007-06-09 at the Wayback Machine