Muhammara (Roasted Pepper & Walnut Spread) � Lebanese Adjacent

This muhammara video was inspired by a request we received for a Lebanese recipe. Not knowing any off the top of my head, I asked for suggestions, and this amazing red pepper walnut spread was nominated by several people. The only problem is, it�s actually a Syrian recipe.

Nevertheless, it�s apparently very popular in Lebanon, as well as across the rest of the Mideast, and once you taste it, you�ll understand why. Like I said in the intro, this may be the most delicious thing you�re not currently eating.

All great dips and spreads should be addictive, but there�s something very special about how this beckons you back for more, and more, even after you�re being stared at by the other guests. Let them enjoy their superior will power � we�ll continue to enjoy the muhammara.

You'll find pomegranate molasses at any Middle Eastern grocery store, or online, but if you can�t, you can make it by reducing pomegranate juice (Google for more details). Or, maybe substitute with some honey for the sweetness, and little extra lemon for the tartness. Either way, I really hope you give this amazing muhammara a try soon. Enjoy!

* Bell Pepper Buying Note: Sometimes bell peppers have large seed pods which makes them very heavy, and therefor very expensive. Depending on the season, a jar of roasted peppers will actually be cheaper than two fresh peppers. I usually weigh them at the store, do the math, and then make the fresh/jarred call.

Ingredients for 6 portions:

1 cup roughly chopped fire-roasted red peppers (peeled, seeded)

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1 1/4 cup raw walnut halves

1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses

1 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon Allepo or other red pepper flakes

Italian parsley, chopped walnuts, and pepper flakes to garnish