Recipe: Muhammara

Muhammara is a spicy, hearty dip that is chock-full of walnuts for a healthy, filling appetizer. side dish or spread.

Nuts are a great snack and ingredient to incorporate into your diet. Full of heart healthy fat and nutrients, they are a great source of calories and energy for people with a decreased appetite. 

Nuts are a good source of plant based protein to help keep our muscles strong, and a great source of fiber to help keep us moving! Nuts are full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, E, and B, and minerals such as zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Enjoy this tasty, and filling recipe!

Ingredients

1 cup walnuts

3 large red bell pepper

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses + extra to top finish product

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons mild chile flakes

1 tablespoon tahini

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon paprika

Kosher salt to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, tossing halfway through until golden brown and fragrant (about 8 to 10 minutes). When finished, let cool and remove a few walnuts for later use.
2. Set your oven rack in the top position, and heat the broiler. Broil bell peppers on a rimmed baking sheet turning occasionally until skins are charred and flesh of the pepper is soft (about 12 to 15 minutes), you can also char in a pan on stove top if this is preferred (about 12 to 15 minutes).
3. To finish the peppers, transfer them to a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap so they steam (about 10 minutes), this will help make it easier to remove the skins. Note: If it is easier, you can substitute the above steps with store bought roasted red peppers.
4. Remove as much skin from bell peppers as possible, discard the ribs (white bits) and seeds of the pepper. Pulse bell peppers, bread crumbs, olive oil, chile flakes, tahini, lemon juice, paprika, toasted walnuts, and pomegranate molasses in a food processor until mostly smooth, season with salt to taste. 
5. Transfer muhammara to a small bowl and drizzle with pomegranate molasses and top with chopped walnuts set aside earlier. Enjoy!

Next Steps & Resources:

• Recipe shared by the oncology dieticians at John Theurer Cancer Center

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.