Bell Pepper Dip Food

MUHAMMARA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the red bell peppers on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and roast for about 35 to 45 minutes.
• Turn the sides of peppers at least once, and roast until they are soft, well cooked and the skin is charred.
• Transfer the roasted bell peppers to a preparation bowl and cover with a cling wrap. Once cooled, peel the skin and remove the seeds.
• Cut the roasted peppers into strips or pieces and place in a food processor. Add the bread crumbs, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, red pepper flakes (if using, see note), cumin and grated garlic.
• Use the pulse option on the food processor and process the ingredients into a slightly coarse but cohesive mixture.
• Next, add finely chopped walnuts, Turkish red pepper paste (if using, see note), olive oil, about 1/3 tsp salt and pulse it again to combine well.Tip: Lightly toast the walnuts for flavor.
• Adjust the amount of pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, garlic and seasonings to your taste.
• Transfer the muhammara dip into a shallow serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create some curvy patterns.
• Drizzle some more olive oil. And garnish with chopped fresh mint or chives and some walnut halves. Store it in refrigerator for about 5 days.

BELL PEPPER DIP

Steps:

• Uncooked Version: Cut peppers, garlic and onions for easy blending.
• Add olive oil and seasonings to blender and puree.
• (You may add a small amount of water for blending ease.) Serve chilled, hot (heat in microwave for 15 seconds on high) or at room temperature.
• Cooked Version: This is a nice alternative (especially in hot weather) to roasting peppers.
• Cube or dice peppers and onion and chop garlic.
• Heat olive oil, onion and garlic in saute pan until just beginning to brown.
• Add peppers and seasonings and stir frequently on medium flame until peppers are browned at edges and have a glazed look.
• Place contents in a blender or food processor and puree.
• Great on bread, crackers, mixed with pasta or rice or in a sauce for flavor.
• Options and Seasoning Variations: Curry, cinnamon or mustard powder instead of cumin.
• Add approximately 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or soft soy or cream cheese for a spreadable dish.
• To make a marinade, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of either blasamic, red wine, or cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to season fish, poultry and tofu.
• Refrigeration keeps dish approximately 4 days.

RED BELL PEPPER DIP

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
• Chill for at least 2 hours and serve with tostados or tortilla chips.

BELL PEPPER DIP

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients except peppers in medium bowl until blended.
• Stir in peppers.
• Refrigerate 1 hour.

ROASTED GARLIC, ONION AND RED BELL PEPPER DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place garlic and onion, cut side down, on small baking sheet. Brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bake until onion is tender and garlic is golden and tender, turning over halfway through baking, about 30 minutes. Cool.
• Char red bell pepper over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Wrap in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes to steam. Peel and seed pepper. Chop coarsely.
• Squeeze garlic from skin. Cut each onion half into quarters. Place garlic, onion, red bell pepper and next 4 ingredients in processor and blend well. Transfer to small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
• Preheat broiler. Place baguette slices on baking sheet. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Broil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir dip and serve with toasted baguette slices.