How to Make Syrian Muhammara

Ingredients

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup very finely ground walnuts
• 1 tablespoon sweet pepper paste
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• A pinch of salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• About 1 cup water

Method

1. First, mix the sweet pepper paste with 1/4 cup of the water in a cup or small bowl and set aside.
2. In a larger bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except for the remaining water and half of the olive oil, which we will also set aside.
3. Add the pepper paste mixture to the bowl and start kneading by hand until the ingredients come together.
4. Then begin adding the remaining water gradually, in small amounts, while kneading or grinding with a garlic pestle, for example, and stirring with it as well. This step ensures the muhammara reaches the desired texture.
5. Stop adding water when the mixture reaches the desired consistency, neither too loose nor too dry.
6. In the same way, begin adding the oil while stirring and pounding with the garlic pestle so the texture becomes smooth and cohesive at the same time.
7. Spread the muhammara on a serving plate just like kibbeh, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top.