What is Aleppo/Marash Pepper?

What is Aleppo Pepper?

Aleppo or Aleppo-style Maraş pepper is frequently used in Turkey, Lebanon and the Middle East and has a deeper flavor than the classic chili peppers we buy at the grocery store.

Although there are many types of peppers in the world, one in particular is said to be truly delicious and goes beyond red chili peppers. This crushed pepper is called Aleppo pepper, which is a common ingredient in Turkish, Lebanese and Middle Eastern cooking.

The catch is that while you can still buy a spice labeled as Aleppo/Marash, we should now know that it may not be what you think.

Aleppo pepper is originally named after the city of Aleppo in Syria, originating from crushed Aleppo peppers.

When we look at the historical process, due to the Syrian civil war, pepper production in Aleppo ended, therefore the pepper currently described as Aleppo cannot actually come from Aleppo. It is probably made from crushed and dried Maraş pepper and is produced in our country. It accompanies our cuisine as a type of spice widely used in Turkish, Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes.

So what is Aleppo Pepper?

Sold as Aleppo pepper, it has a dark red hue that gives a salt-like feel and adds depth, texture and color to dishes. This makes Aleppo pepper a popular use.

We must say, unfortunately, the author of the cookbook. As Robyn Eckhardt writes in her book "Istanbul and Beyond," the Syrian civil war ended pepper production in Aleppo; so everything currently labeled as Aleppo is not actually from Aleppo.

Depending on what you buy, Aleppo-style pepper will have more depth than the average red pepper flake; It typically offers a salt-like texture with a slightly smoky flavor and slight sun-dried tomato tones.

Maraş Pepper And Aleppo Pepper

Maraş pepper comes from the Maraş region of Türkiye and is often used as a finishing touch in dishes due to its mild heat, slight acidity, and bright color. Like Aleppo pepper, it is used to add a final scent to the dish and to provide the final touch of texture and flavor.

How to Store Aleppo/Marash Pepper?

You should store your peppers in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources in the kitchen. Although spices do not have a specific expiration date, their effect in your dishes will decrease over time, which means that your Aleppo/Marash style pepper will not be as spicy or bitter as when it was first purchased. This does not mean that your pepper has gone bad, but you may need to add a little more to the dishes than you usually use.

What Can I Use Instead of Aleppo/Marash Pepper?

If you cannot find Aleppo/Marash pepper, you can try to add a little more depth of flavor to these peppers by mixing your red pepper flakes with salt and cumin. Of course, they won't taste much like crushed sun-dried Aleppo/Marash peppers, but they will still give the dish a little more depth than hotness.

How to Cook with Aleppo/Marash Peppers?

Aleppo/Marash chili peppers are widely used in Turkish, Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes. You can use Aleppo/Marash chili peppers in kebabs, grilled or roasted chicken, seafood, salad dressings or on creamy yoghurt-based sauces to add a little spice by adding this pepper to the oil in a separate container and heating it on the stove. You can also sprinkle it on tomato salad, or season your eggs with this pepper.

Finally,

Experiment with your Maraş/Aleppo spice, perhaps use it with other spices and oil to make a sauce consistency in marinated chicken or meat dishes. See what it pairs well with and start enjoying a good meal by using spices correctly and balancedly in your kitchen.