August 9, 2023
Muhammara Swirl Bread
Servings:
12
Difficulty:
A middle eastern red pepper and walnut dip rolled into a homemade whole wheat dough makes an impressive yet simple appetizer.
Why you will love this recipe
Rich in healthy fats. Walnuts are a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for you to get from diet as they benefit brain and heart health.
Helps to reduce inflammation. Red peppers contain vitamin C,. When eaten with vitamin E and selenium, they work as antioxidants to neutralize any damage done by free radicals to your cells.
Good for a crowd. These rolls make a great appetizer or shareable dish to serve at a gathering as a part of a larger spread.
Ingredients
1 2/3 cups whole wheat flour
1 2/3 cups bread flour
1 ½ tsp dried yeast
1 tsp salt, divided
1 1/4 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil, divided, plus more for brushing
2 red peppers
1/4 cup walnuts
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cayenne powder
1 tsp cumin powder
Parsley, for garnish
Method
MAKE DOUGH. Add flours, yeast, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle. Pour in water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Use a spatula or spoon to combine ingredients into dough. Turn onto floured surface. Knead until dough springs back when pressed. Return to bowl. Cover with a towel. Let rest until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
ROAST PEPPERS. Preheat oven to 450F. Place peppers on baking tray. Roast until blackened all over, about 10 minutes. Remove from tray and place in bowl. Cover and let cool. When cooled, remove and discard skins and stems.
TOAST WALNUTS. Place walnuts in small skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast until fragrant but not burnt, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
MAKE MUHAMMARA. Add peeled peppers, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin powder, breadcrumbs, and 1/2 tsp salt to a food processor. Blend until a textured paste forms. Pour in 1 tbsp olive oil during blending. Add splashes of water to reach desired consistency.
MAKE SWIRLS. Turn dough onto floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle, about 12” by 16”. Evenly spread muhammara over entire surface of dough. Distribute sun dried tomatoes over muhammara. Starting from one of the long ends, roll dough into a log. Cut into 12 pieces using a serrated knife.
PROOF ROLLS. Lightly oil a medium glass baking dish. Place rolls cut side up. Cover with a towel. Let rest until risen, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
BAKE. Preheat oven to 425F. Brush tops of rolls with olive oil. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes.
SERVE. Sprinkle parsley over the top of the rolls. Serve with desired sauce or accompaniments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does this serve? This recipe makes 12 spirals which will either serve 12 people as an appetizer or 4 people as a main dish.
What can I eat with muhammara swirl bread? These swirls can be eaten on their own or dipped in a tahini lemon sauce.
How long do swirls take to rise? Rising time depends on the temperature of your kitchen. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in the oven with the light on.
Can I use pre-roasted red peppers? Yes, the red peppers can be replaced with jarred roasted red peppers.
Why do.I need to put two types of flour? Whole wheat flour makes the rolls softer and adds a slight sweetness while bread flour is higher in gluten and makes them stretchier.