Muhammara is a delicious Syrian dip made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. It’s a great appetizer or side dish with a unique texture that makes it an amazing addition to any meal.
Here, we will explore 10 incredible sides that are perfect for serving alongside this flavorful dip.
In short- What to serve with Muhammara- Vegetables, Flatbreads, Hummus, Salads, Rice Pilaf, Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Baba Ghanoush, Falafel, Pita Bread, Roasted Potatoes, Greek Salad, Grilled Eggplant, Roasted Cauliflower, Feta Cheese, Pickled Red Onions, Cucumber Salad.
What is Muhammara? What does muhammara taste like?
Muhammara is a Middle Eastern region dip or spread that originated in Aleppo, Syria. It is made with roasted red peppers, Pomegranate molasses, ground walnuts, bread crumbs, olive oil, and spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili flakes.
For a tart flavor, some variations of the recipe combine pomegranate molasses or lemon juice.
The dip has a rich, nutty taste with a hint of slight sweetness from the roasted red peppers and the bread crumbs.
The spices create a toasty, smokey flavor with a kick from the chili flakes. Overall, Muhammara has a deep and well-rounded flavor, making it a popular and delectable complement to any mezze platter or snack.
17 Perfect Side Dishes To Serve With Muhammara
1. Vegetables
Roasted or grilled vegetables are both excellent side dishes to pair with muhammara.
Grilled vegetables such as sweet bell peppers, Squash, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, and eggplant. Carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower—any vegetable can be used for roasting as well!
For the best results, brush the vegetables lightly with olive oil before grilling them to bring out their natural sweetness. You can also add some herbs and spices to give your grilled veggies an extra kick of flavor!
2. Flatbreads
Nothing goes better with muhammara than freshly-baked flatbreads.
Whether you make your own from scratch or buy them from the store, these soft and fluffy bread are a great way to enjoy your dip without overwhelming it.
Try topping them with a drizzle of olive oil and some herbs for added flavor!
3. Hummus
Hummus is another popular Middle Eastern dip that pairs wonderfully with muhammara. Its creamy dip is made from chickpeas blended together with tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
The buttery texture complements the slightly crunchy texture of muhammara perfectly. You can make your own hummus at home (outbound link) or buy it pre-made from the grocery store.
To make your hummus even more flavorful, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro along with some extra virgin olive oil!
Also Read: What to serve with Little smokies
4. Salads
Simple Light salads are always an easy way to round out your meal.
A few handfuls of arugula or baby spinach make an excellent base for your salad; then add seasonal fruits or vegetables such as strawberries, apples, or tomatoes for color and texture.
Top it off with your favorite dressing—a homemade balsamic vinaigrette would be especially delicious!
Or, Try making one using fresh greens like kale or spinach and topping it off with a drizzle of vinaigrette dressing for added flavor.
This will help cut through the richness of the dip while still giving you all its delicious flavors!
5. Rice Pilaf
Classic rice pilaf is one of my go-to dishes for muhammara, thanks to its light yet flavorful taste. Rice pilaf is a great way to bulk up your meal without overwhelming the flavor of muhammara.
You can use whatever type of rice you prefer, but the nutty flavor of basmati rice goes perfectly with the roasted red pepper flavors in this delicious dip.
Cook the rice in a mixture of vegetable stock, olive oil, and herbs such as thyme and oregano. Then add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture and a little extra flavor.
6. Tabbouleh
Bright and flavorful Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, mint, and lemon juice. Its fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables add freshness to the dish.
Add some diced tomatoes and cucumbers for extra texture and flavor!
7. Fattoush
Fattoush is a Lebanese salad made with diced vegetables, herbs, and pita chips tossed in a lemony vinaigrette dressing.
The crunchiness of the pita chips helps to balance out the creaminess of the muhammara for an unforgettable flavor combination.
It does not overpower the dip’s flavors but instead compliments them perfectly. Try adding pita chips for extra crunch.
8. Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is another popular Middle Eastern dip also similar to muhammara. Still, it has its own unique flavor profile thanks to the addition of garlic, eggplant, tahini (sesame seed paste), and lemon juice instead of walnuts and bread crumbs like in muhammara.
This smoky eggplant dip makes for an excellent side dish when served alongside muhammara.
Serve it in small bowls alongside the dip for an impressive presentation.
9. Falafel
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices like parsley, cumin, and coriander.
It is generally served as part of a mezze platter along with other dips like hummus or baba ghanoush.
While You can add These crispy-crunchy little bites pairs perfectly with muhammara as both are full of flavor but have different textures that work together in harmony. Serve it with tahini sauce and pickles for an authentic experience.
10. Grilled Pita Bread
A warm pita bread provides the perfect vessel for scooping up creamy Mhammara.
You can make your own homemade pita bread, Grill some pita bread on the stovetop or in the oven until lightly charred, or buy store-bought pitas for convenience.
Serve with some extra olive oil on the side for dipping! Make sure they’re nice and crispy, so they don’t get soggy when combined with the dip.
11. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes add some extra crunch when served alongside Muhammara.
Roasted potatoes effortlessly help to soak up any excess oil from frying falafels which helps keep your meal light yet satisfyingly filling at the same time.
Know More: What to Serve with Roasted Potatoes
12. Greek Salad
Greek salads are always great and beautiful choices when looking for something light yet flavorful to serve alongside Mhammara due to its fresh flavors and bright colors.
This classic salad features tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, red onion, oregano, olive oil, and vinegar, which all blend together beautifully in one delicious dish.
13. Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant slices have an intense smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smokiness of muhammara.
Grill the eggplant until it is soft on the inside but still slightly crunchy on the outside for best results.
14. Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower has become increasingly popular over the last few years due to its versatility in recipes as well as its health benefits; it’s high in fiber and vitamins A & C while low in calories!
Roast cauliflower in olive oil until golden brown, then season it with salt & pepper before serving alongside your muhammara for added flavor & texture.
15. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk or goat’s milk that has been aged for at least two months in brine (salt water).
This salty cheese lends creaminess to dishes like muhammara, which often include roasted red peppers and walnuts.
16. Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions add sweetness & acidity to any dish they are served alongside; try pickling sliced onions in vinegar & sugar before serving them as part of your mezze platter along with other dips like hummus & baba ghanoush!
Know more: What To serve with Onion Rings
The tanginess will contrast nicely against the smokiness of the roasted red pepper base in the Muhammara recipe!
17. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a simple yet tasty side dish that can be prepared quickly.
Combine diced cucumbers (skin on) with chopped fresh mint leaves & feta cheese, then dress lightly in olive oil & lemon juice before serving chilled alongside your favorite dips, including Muhammara!
These delicious and flavorful sides are sure to make your dinner guests happy! Whether you’re serving muhammara as an appetizer or main course, these dishes will be a hit.
How do you jazz up Muhammara?
For a bit more flavor and texture, you can add in some chopped capers, sun-dried tomatoes, dried apricots, or olives.
You can also try mixing in some diced roasted red peppers for even smoky deliciousness.
To bring it all together, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil will give your muhammara the perfect finishing touch. Serve with warm pita bread or crackers, and enjoy!
I sometimes add some other spices and herbs to the mix – garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cumin, oregano, thyme – to create a unique flavor that’s all your own.
For an even more delicious version, you can try adding some feta cheese to the mix for a salty, creamy kick. You could also add in some walnuts or pine nuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
While I want sweet Muhammara, I add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup can give my muhammara just the right hint of sweetness.
No matter what combination you choose, be sure to enjoy this delectable dip with friends and family!
What are the best flavors to go with Muhammara?
Muhammara is a flavorful dip with an involved taste profile that fuses sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Some of the best flavors to pair with-
Peta bread, Crackers, Vegetables (Raw, grilled, roasted), Grilled Meat, fish, Salad, and a dollop of plain yogurt to help offset the spiciness of the dip and add a creamy texture.
FAQs
What can I use instead of pomegranate molasses in muhammara?
Substituting Pomegranate molasses in Muhammara is very easy, and don’t worry about the taste; the results will be the same.
Use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for 1st choice; you might also use tamarind paste or grenadine syrup, which have an acidity and sweetness similar to pomegranate molasses.
What do you eat muhammara with?
Muhammara is a Middle Eastern appetizer or spread served with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping. Sometimes it can also be consumed as a sauce or condiment on grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. Most people like to put it on sandwiches or use it as a salad topping.
