Muhammara
Course | Dip |
---|---|
Place of origin | Lebanon |
Region or state | Levant |
Main ingredients | Red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, red chili paste, salt, olive oil, cumin |
Muhammara (Arabic: محمرة "reddened") or mhammara is a spicy dip made of walnuts, red bell peppers, pomegranate molasses, and breadcrumbs. It is associated with Lebanon,[1] but is also found in Turkey, especially in southeastern regions, where Arab dishes are more common in the local cuisine because of the Lebanese 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][5]
Ingredients
[edit]The principal ingredients are usually fresh Red pepper chosen meaty and sweet, which guarantee a rich flavor and a silky texture after cooking, pomegranate molasses for a characteristic sweet-tart note, ground walnuts gives a crunchy texture, breadcrumbs it is used to thicken the puree and give it a perfect consistency, garlic to enhance the flavors, red chili paste, salt and extra virgin olive oil. It sometimes contain lemon juice and spices such as cumin.[6] It may be garnished with extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, mint leaves or parsley. Served with pita bread.
Usage
[edit]Muhammara is eaten as a dip with bread, as a spread for toast, and as a sauce for kebabs, grilled vegetables, 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 Bekaa, Lebanon.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Mouhammara". www.recettelibanaise.com. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ Muhammara Archived 2007-06-09 at the Wayback Machine