Dinner

Spicy Red Pepper Muhammara with Crispy Harissa Mince and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

ByBen Miller November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

Introduction

This spicy red pepper dip paired with crispy harissa vegan mince is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for sharing. The smoky harissa and crunchy walnuts add depth, while fresh herbs brighten the plate. Serve it with warm flatbreads for an inviting, satisfying meal.

A shallow white ceramic bowl holds one thick layer of bright orange-red dip with a smooth yet slightly coarse texture. The dip is spread evenly across the bowl’s base and topped with dark brown crispy bits arranged in small clusters around the surface. Scattered unevenly over the dip are light beige walnut pieces and small sprigs of fresh green dill and flat parsley leaves that add a fresh color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a corner of grilled flatbread peeks into the frame on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil, plus more to drizzle
1 onion, finely diced
400g vegan mince
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tbsp harissa paste
Handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves
Handful of fresh dill
Salt and pepper
100g walnuts
400g roasted red peppers
4 tbsp olive oil
Juice of one lemon
1 tsp paprika
1 lemon, cut into wedges
4-8 flatbreads

Instructions

Step 1: In a large frying pan, dry toast the walnuts over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Using the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, stirring often until very soft.
Step 3: Add the vegan mince and increase the heat slightly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then add the harissa paste and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Reserve 1 tablespoon of the toasted walnuts for garnish. In a high-speed blender, combine the rest of the walnuts with roasted red peppers, 4 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, and salt and pepper. Blitz until smooth to make the dip.
Step 6: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if needed. Spread the red pepper dip onto a large serving platter using the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Top the dip with the crispy harissa mince. Scatter with the reserved walnuts, roughly chopped if desired, and fresh parsley and dill leaves.
Step 8: Finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges and warm flatbreads for scooping.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the dip.
If you can’t find vegan mince, finely chopped mushrooms make a great substitute.
Serve with rice or couscous as an alternative to flatbreads.
Toast the flatbreads briefly before serving for enhanced texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover dip and mince separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the mince gently in a pan, and warm the dip to room temperature before serving. The dip also freezes well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

A shallow white ceramic bowl holds a thick layer of smooth, bright orange spread, evenly filling the bowl and textured with small swirls. On top, there are scattered bits of dark brown, crumbly pieces and small chopped light brown walnut chunks, adding a contrast in texture and color. Sprigs of fresh green herbs, some flat parsley leaves and some delicate dill, are placed around the bowl, giving a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a piece of grilled white flatbread is partially visible at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute the walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. The texture will differ but still add a nice crunch.

Is the harissa paste very spicy?

Harissa paste varies in heat depending on the brand, but it typically offers a warm, moderate spiciness. Adjust the amount to suit your taste or mellow it by mixing with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice.