Syrian Red Pepper Walnut Dip (Printer-friendly)

Smoky, tangy blend of red peppers and walnuts with pomegranate molasses and spices, perfect for appetizers or spreads.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large red bell peppers
02 - 2 garlic cloves

→ Nuts & Seeds

03 - 1 cup (4.2 oz) lightly toasted walnuts
04 - 2 tbsp gluten-free breadcrumbs
05 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

→ Spices

06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

11 - 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
12 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
13 - 1–2 tbsp lemon juice, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the red bell peppers on a baking tray and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered.
02 - Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a plate, and let them steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skins, then remove seeds and stems.
03 - In a food processor, pulse together the roasted peppers, toasted walnuts, garlic, gluten-free breadcrumbs, ground cumin, smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper until coarse.
04 - Add the pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and lemon juice to the mixture. Process until mostly smooth with some texture remaining. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Transfer the dip to a shallow bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Pair with fresh pita, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like you've been cooking Middle Eastern food your whole life, even if you haven't.
  • The balance of smoky, tangy, and nutty keeps people coming back for more without quite knowing why.
  • Five minutes of active prep work, and you're handing people something that feels impossibly sophisticated.
02 -
  • The charring on the peppers is not a mistake—it's where the smoky depth comes from, so don't peel off every last black bit.
  • Pomegranate molasses and lemon juice are rivals for your attention, so taste frequently and add them gradually; you can always add more but you can't take it back.
03 -
  • For an even smokier flavor, char the peppers directly over a gas flame if you have one, rotating them slowly until the skin is completely blackened.
  • Taste the molasses and lemon juice separately before mixing them in so you understand their individual power and can adjust with intention.
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