Ever heard of muhammara? It's that rich, spicy dip that's been lighting up dinner tables and adding a zing to snacks.
This Middle Eastern gem is a crowd-pleaser for its bold flavors and versatility.
Whether you're hosting a chill movie night or putting together an elegant dinner party, knowing what to pair with muhammara can turn your meal from good to unforgettable.
From crispy pita chips to refreshing salads, we've rounded up the 7 best side dishes that complement its taste perfectly.
Ready to give your guests something to rave about? Keep reading to find out how to elevate your next meal with these killer combos.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Muhammara?
Muhammara is described as a dip. To some, it is a sauce.
When used as a dip, you obviously need something else - chips, French fries, some homemade bread, you name it.
When used as a sauce, you can pour it over something else - whether something from the same cuisine or perhaps some French fries or pasta.
It is only a matter of personal preferences. The necessity of a side dish is obvious - in fact, most people would say muhammara is the actual side dish.
Having it alone can cause nausea, but mixing it with something else will bring in an explosion of flavors and aromas.
What to Serve with Muhammara? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are some of the best combos to try with muhammara.
1 - Penne Pasta and Parsley
This is probably one of the easiest combos to prepare.
While penne pasta is more popular for this sauce, the truth is you can mix it up with any type of pasta.
Cook the pasta the classic way - boil it and drain the water.
Let it cool a little, and throw the muhammara sauce in.
Mix everything to ensure the sauce gets everywhere.
Parsley is optional, but it will give your dish a more pleasant aroma - sprinkle a bit on top.
2 - Avocado and Tomato Wrap
This mix is great for a light dish - as well as a healthy one.
You need one avocado - chop it in small pieces.
Then, get some cherry tomatoes - chop them in half.
Mix everything in a wrap - you do not need salt or olive oil.
Simply add muhammara on top and ensure the wrap is well done - you do not want the sauce squeezed out of it as you bite, especially as chances are it will go out through the bottom, all over your clothes.
If you want to, you can garnish with a few leaves.
3 - Crispy Lamb and Yogurt
This dish is simple and straightforward. It makes no difference how you cook the lamb.
You could have it as a kebab, for example - probably the most common way to do it.
Now, you need some yogurt sauce - simply get some plain yogurt and mix it with a few spices and condiments.
It is up to you to choose the right spices. Make sure the yogurt is full fat.
Sprinkle some of it on top, then top everything with muhammara.
The two sauces will blend in and complement the lamb aroma in a unique mix.
4 - Greek Burger Patties
Greek burger patties work wonders with muhammara. Besides, the dish is fairly simple to prepare.
Such burgers are often referred to as biftekia - you can find them in different grocery stores, but you can also make them yourself - beef, onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, and specific spices.
Let the burgers cool down a bit - you do not necessarily need burger buns for them.
You can also eat them like steak. All in all, get a burger on the plate, top it with muhammara and garnish with a leaf.
The dish is fulfilling and will give you a unique combo of flavors.
5 - Kale Pita Bread Pizza
This is an excellent dish for brunch or perhaps a light dinner.
It will fill you up due to the bread in its composition, but it will also taste amazing.
Get some pita bread - or feel free to make it yourself if you want a more authentic taste.
The recipe would involve cooking kale salad, chopping some cucumbers, and getting everything baked for a bit.
Olive oil will also help, as well as a bit of grated mozzarella to keep everything together on the bread.
Take your mini pizzas out of the oven and top them with muhammara - serve hot.
6 - Roasted Cauliflower and Capers
This is the type of recipe you come up with when you want to impress someone.
Fortunately, it is relatively simple to prepare.
You basically roast a cauliflower on the outside - the same goes for capers.
You need a bit of salad around everything too.
The recipe itself is quite dry and not too exciting, but this is when muhammara kicks in to change everything.
Cover the dish with this sauce and let it penetrate every corner of the cauliflower.
The dish itself is relatively light and will not make you feel heavy.
7 - Roasted Eggplant and Feta
This dish has both eastern and Mediterranean influences. It is light, but fulfilling.
When choosing eggplants for it, stick to tiny eggplants only - a different species.
You want these dishes to look like bites, rather than large nauseous pieces.
All in all, cut the eggplant into two pieces, roast it and get the feta fitted on top.
This is when muhammara goes in - top each piece of eggplant, but do not exaggerate.
The combo with feta will work wonders, while the unique aroma of eggplant will complement everything.
While light, the dish can make a great lunch or dinner.
