Muhammara

A naturally sweet Middle Eastern spread or dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes   

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 cup roasted red peppers, drained (Quick Tip: buy from Italian deli or use canned or jarred)

1/3 cup walnuts

1/3 cup plain panko bread crumbs 

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. smoked paprika (see tip below for substitutes)

½ tsp. ground allspice

1/8 tsp. black pepper or cayenne red pepper (optional and to taste)

¼ cup olive oil

MAKING IT:

Place all ingredients except olive oil in bowl of a food processor.  Pulse until blended. With processor blade running, slowly add olive oil. Blend only until olive oil is well combined.  Serve with crackers, pita triangles or veggies. Makes about 1-1/4 cups. 

TIPS:

For less smokey flavor, substitute regular paprika or tomato paste

To make gluten free, substitute plain rice panko crumbs 

Additional spices to add if desired: ground cumin and ground ancho chili pepper

Serves: 10

Nutrition Information per serving (2 Tbsp.): 100 Calories; 8g Total Fat; (1g Sat Fat; 0g Trans Fat); 0mg Chol; 210mg Sodium; 5g Total Carb; (1g Fiber; 1g Sugars); 1g Protein