I saw these fresh , healthy and shiny red Italian peppers in the grocery store and all I can think of was to prepare muhammara with them. I changed the original recipes and created my own.  Instead of using walnuts and cumin, I used smoked salty almonds and fresh thyme. If Italian red peppers are not available at your local grocery store, just use red bell peppers. Not a big deal.  

Serving: 2

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

3 Italian red peppers or 3 red bell peppers

2-3 slice of whole wheat bread

2 garlic cloves

1 cup of salted smoked almonds

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons pomegranate molasse

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1.Preheat the oven to 425 Degrees Fahrenheit.

2.Place Italian peppers and olive oil to a cooking sheet covered with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and mix them until the peppers are covered with olive oil.

3.Roast the Italian peppers for 20 – 25 minutes until they soften.

4.Let them cook down for 5-10 minutes.

5.In a food processor blend together the Italian peppers, wheat bread, garlic cloves, ¾ cup smoked almonds, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth.

6.Transfer the Muhammara to a shallow bowl.

7.Garnish Muhammara with salted smoked almonds, pomegranate molasses and thyme.

8.Serve at room temperature with rustic bread slices, pita chips or veggies.