Red Pepper, Pomegranate and Walnut Dip Mouhamara

Red Pepper, Pomegranate and Walnut Dip
Mouhamara

Makes about 3 cups

2 1/2	lb red bell peppers

1	small hot chili, such as Fresno or hot Hungarian, or substitute Turkish red pepper paste to taste

1 1/2	cups (about 6 oz.) walnuts, coarsely ground

1/2	cup wheat crackers, crumbled

1	Tb lemon juice

2	Tb pomegranate molasses or more to taste

1/2	tsp ground cumin

3/4	tsp salt

1/2	tsp sugar

2	Tb olive oil

Garnish:

2	tsp toasted pine nuts

A drizzle of olive oil

A good pinch of ground cumin

For best results, make the recipe at least one day in advance. Roast the red bell peppers and the chili either over coals or a gas burner or under an electric broiler, turning frequently until blackened and blistered all over, about 12 minutes. Place in a covered bowl to steam 10 minutes (this loosens the skin). Rub off the skins, membranes, and seeds. Spread the bell peppers, smooth side up, on a paper towel and let drain 10 minutes.

In a food processor, grind the walnuts, crackers, lemon juice, molasses, cumin, salt, and sugar until smooth. Add the bell peppers; process until pureed and creamy. With the machine on, add the oil in a thin stream. Add the chili to taste. (If the paste is too thick, thin with 1-2 Tb water.) Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to mellow. When ready to serve transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle the pine nuts and cumin on top and drizzle with oil.

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