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Red Pepper and Walnut Dip with Fennel Spears

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rating TOMESE
I have made this 4 times now, and everytime I get rave reviews and requests for the recipe.  It goes together really quickly, (once the peppers are roasted.)  Be sure to toast the walnuts for the most flavor.  I haven't used fennel yet, we've just eaten it with various snazzy crackers.  I think the fennel would be delicious and when it's in season, I'll be sure to try it.

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Red Pepper and Walnut Dip with Fennel Spears

  • fast FAST
  • healthy HEALTHY
  • make ahead MAKE-AHEAD
TOTAL TIME: 25 MIN
MAKES 2 CUPS
Muhammara, a Middle Eastern dip with a spicy kick, is traditionally served with pita bread or roasted meats, but Hanna likes it with the addictive crunch of fennel.
ingredients
  • 3 medium red bell peppers
  • 3/4 cup walnuts (3 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup crushed whole-wheat crackers
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Fennel bulbs, cored and cut in wedges
directions
  1. Light a grill. Grill the red bell peppers over moderately high heat, turning with tongs, until they’re blackened all over. Transfer the charred peppers to a bowl and let them cool completely. Peel the peppers and discard the skins, seeds and cores. Coarsely chop the peppers.
  2. In a food processor, combine the peppers, walnuts, crushed crackers, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, cumin and Aleppo pepper and process until fairly smooth. With the machine on, add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and process until creamy. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with the parsley. Serve the dip with the fennel wedges.

MAKE AHEAD The Red Pepper and Walnut Dip can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 2 days.

Recipe by Chris Hanna
From Wine Country Kitchen
This recipe originally appeared in April, 2007.