Muhammara Chickpea Skillet

Muhammara Chickpea Skillet takes everything you love about the classic Middle Eastern dip in a 20-minute skillet meal. Serve with pita or naan for a delicious vegetarian entree or appetizer.

Why You'll Love this Chickpea Skillet

In case you're not familiar, Muhammara is a Middle Eastern red pepper and walnut spread.

Muhammara is often made with chili paste and pomegranate molasses, however we're streamlining the ingredients today to hopefully suite what's already in your pantry.

This skillet meal boasts bright, umami-rich flavor with garlicky undertones and a smoky backbone.

You won't believe how complex the flavor caliber is for the 20 minute cook time. I love serving it with warm pita or naan, however you can also spoon it over rice or quinoa.

And if you love easy pantry recipes, be sure to try my Chickpea Meatballs and Chickpea Tuna Salad next!

Recipe Ingredients

This recipe leans heavily on pantry staples like canned chickpeas, tomato paste, and a jar of roasted red peppers. Here's the full lineup of what you need:

• Chickpeas: The recipe calls for one can of chickpeas, however you can easily double it if serving more. Chickpeas are a great source of fiber and plant protein.
• Tomato paste: The key to achieving deep, umami-rich flavor lies in just 3 tablespoon of tomato paste.
• Roasted red peppers: Feel free to roast them yourself in the oven or over an open flame, however I prefer the jar for convenience.
• Walnuts: Rich in heart-healthy fats, walnuts are the quintessential nut in Muhammara. However if you don't have any on hand, use almonds or pine nuts instead.
• Smoked paprika: One of my favorite spices for adding bright, smoky flavor. If you only have classic sweet paprika on hand, just mix it with a little chili powder.
• Chili flakes: If you like spicy, add up to ½ tsp. If not, just use ¼ tsp. You can also use Aleppo chili, if you have it on hand.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic helps build the aromatic backbone of this dish.
• Vegetable broth: You can also use chicken or bone broth if you're not making it vegetarian.
• Fresh parsley: Any type of herb garnish adds a lovely fresh finish here: parsley, dill, chives, or basil.

For the full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe box below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the chickpeas in a little olive oil over medium-high heat. You just want them to pick up a little crisp.

Step 2: Add aromatics (garlic, tomato paste, chili flakes, and smoked paprika) and cook for about 3 minutes, until the tomato paste turns brick red. (This helps unlock the full flavor potential of the tomato paste, which adds layers of umami.)

Step 3: Blend red peppers with walnuts until smooth, and add the mixture to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer mixture until thickened.

Step 4: Garnish with yogurt, parsley, and a drizzle of EVOO. Serve with warm pita bread or naan.

Garnish the Muhammara Chickpea Skillet with fresh parsley and dig in! I also love drizzling some tahini overtop as a finishing touch. 

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy this simple skillet as an appetizer, side dish, or main entree. Here are my go-to serving accompaniments:

• Bread: Crusty bread, warm pita, or naan.
• Brussels Salad: Especially this Shaved Brussels Salad with Whole-Grain Mustard Dressing.
• Cucumber Salad: My 10 minute Asian Cucumber Salad calls for minimal ingredients, yet delivers big on flavor.
• Broccoli: Try my Perfect Sautéed Broccoli for a simple, nutritious side.

Storage Tips:

• Store: Transfer leftover muhammara chickpeas to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce as needed.

More Easy Chickpea Recipes to Try:

If you try this chickpea skillet, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time to leave a rating and review! Lastly, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates.