Chef Suzanne Goin calls this "a vegetable antipasto through a Southern California lens." It features roasted vegetables, burrata (cream-filled mozzarella) and the Middle Eastern walnut dip muhammara. Plus: More Appetizer Recipes
How to Make It
In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, cayenne and cumin until finely chopped. With the machine on, drizzle in the oil and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Wipe out the processor.
Preheat the oven to 375°. Toast the walnuts in a pie plate for 5 to 7 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool completely, then transfer the walnuts to the food processor.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast the ground cumin over moderately low heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Scrape the cumin into the processor. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in the skillet. Add the bread and cook until golden and crisp on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Tear the bread into small pieces and add it to the processor. Add the piquillos, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the cayenne pepper. With the machine on, drizzle in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water and puree until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a bowl.
Serve the chickpea puree and the muhammara along with burrata, grilled bread and roasted vegetables.