Muhammara

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
poundsRed bell peppers
2smallsHot chilies, such as Fresno,
Hot Hungarian
½cupWheat crackers, crumbled
cup( 6 ounces ) walnuts
Coarsely ground
1tablespoonLemon juice
3tablespoonsPomegranate Molasses-
Sometimes more to taste
½teaspoonCumin
½teaspoonSugar
Salt to taste
2teaspoonsOlive oil
2largesPitas, cut into 8
Wedges and toasted

Directions

Preheat the grill. Roast the peppers and chiles over the grill or open flame until they are blistered , about 8 minutes. Place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes to loosen the skin. Peel off the skin and remove the seeds. Pat the peppers dry with a paper towel. In the work bowl of your food processor, combine and process the crackers, walnuts, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, cumin, and sugar , until smooth. Add the red peppers and process until creamy. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a thin stream. Add the chile pepper and salt to taste. If it is too thick, thin with a few tablespoons of water. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to mellow. Serve with the toasted pita wedges.

Yield: about 3 cups

ESSENCE OF EMERIL SHOW #EE2198