I tried pomegranate molasses for the first time not too long ago. It’s a wonderful syrup—and one of our secret ingredients that can transform your food in an instant!
What Is Pomegranate Molasses?
It’s a syrup made from boiled pomegranate juice. It has a thick consistency and a sweet-sour flavor. Like balsamic vinegar, a small drizzle goes a long way, so one bottle of pomegranate molasses might last forever!
Fortunately, this syrup can be added to almost any recipe because of its ability to intensify other flavors. It also adds complexity to anything from cocktails to sauces and marinades. It’s rich and sweet, but doesn’t taste overly fruity thanks to an intoxicating aroma. Use pomegranate molasses when you’re looking to add a burst of acidity to your meal.
Where to Buy It
You can find pomegranate molasses at most grocery stores in the international aisle, and it’s readily available at Middle Eastern specialty stores. You could also order a bottle on Amazon.
How to Make Pomegranate Molasses
It costs $10-$14 for a small bottle, so it may make more sense to DIY. It’s as easy as simmering pure pomegranate juice until it’s reduced by a third (3 cups of pomegranate juice will make 1 cup of syrup). Some people add sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness and tang, although it’s not necessary.
Once the bubbles turn thick and viscous and the syrup coats the back of the spoon, it’s ready! Cool and store in the refrigerator for up to six months.
You might want to keep pomegranate juice on hand, too—here’s why.
How to Use Pomegranate Molasses
Do you have some of the stuff left over from a recipe that used only a tablespoon? I feel your pain: I have a cupboard full of specialty ingredients. Luckily, there are a few ways to use this deliciously tangy syrup:
- Stir into your favorite hummus recipe
- Dissolve into drinks like iced tea
- Make homemade sodas by simply stirring it into sparkling water
- Add a tablespoon to your favorite homemade salad dressings or marinades for a touch of sweetness and a ton of depth
- Brush the syrup directly onto chicken, carrots or cauliflower to create a flavorful glaze
Don’t restrict your drizzle to savory foods, either; the syrup also pairs exceptionally well with desserts like ice cream, cheesecake or rich and decadent mousse.
The Pomegranate Recipes You Need ASAP
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo MeatballsThese tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add
pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Orange Pomegranate Salad with HoneyI discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Cranberry Pomegranate MargaritasI came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional margarita. It's light and refreshing, and looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Orange Pomegranate SalmonA colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Pomegranate Persimmon SaladTo bring some sunshine to the table, I toss up a bright salad of persimmons and pomegranate seeds, dressed with a puckery vinaigrette. —Linda Tambunan, Dublin, California
Turkey and Apple Arugula SaladThis satisfying salad proves that turkey can be enjoyed outside of the holidays. Peppery salad greens, sweet grapes and rich walnuts combine to create a flavor sensation. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb TaginePomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Pomegranate-Hazelnut Roasted Brussels SproutsI converted many people to Brussels sprouts with this recipe, and it has since become my most requested dish. The richness of the hazelnuts and the sweetness of pomegranate and orange elevate the sprouts to a new level. —Melanie Stevenson, Reading, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Pomegranate CandiesThis recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
Beef Tenderloin with Pomegranate ChutneyWhen I want to show family and friends some culinary love, I roast a tenderloin and serve it with a sweet-tart pomegranate and apple chutney. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Pomegranate-Glazed Green BeansGreen beans are a popular vegetable in our house. They get a nice zing from this slightly tangy glaze featuring fruit juices, vinegar, maple syrup and seasonings.—Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pomegranate Pistachio CrostiniPomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Wendy's Apple Pomegranate SaladMy grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it's like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Jeweled Endive SaladEvery Christmas, friends have a huge potluck party. I wanted to bring something unique, so I topped off endive and watercress with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Champagne Fruit PunchToast the happy couple at your next bridal shower with a fun and fruity drink! It’s the perfect refreshment on a hot day. —Kelly Tran, Salem, Oregon
Double-Nut Stuffed FigsWe have a family member that has diabetes, so dessert can get tricky. These sweet, nutritious stuffed figs keep us all happy. —Bob Bailey, Columbus, Ohio
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