Pomegranate molasses (or pomegranate syrup) is a thick, sweet, sticky syrup that's used to flavor Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It's used as a marinade, an ingredient in sauces and dips, and a beverage sweetener. It's basically a reduction of pomegranate juice that's been boiled down with sugar and lemon juice.
Ingredient Spotlight: Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses is not the same as grenadine syrup, which is a sweet pomegranate-based syrup used to flavor and add color to cocktails. Pomegranate molasses is tart and fruity, and the color is a much darker red, closer to brown.
Pomegranate molasses is commonly found in Middle Eastern markets, but can also be purchased online at various sources. You can also make your own using Alton Brown's recipe. One of my favorite things to do with pomegranate molasses is to add about a tablespoon to a small bowl that has 2 tablespoons of olive oil in it and use it as a bread dipper. The tartness of the pomegranate mixes well with the fruitiness of the olive oil. I also like to use it as a marinade or glaze for lamb, chicken, or fish - brushing them with pomegranate molasses before roasting gives them a wonderful flavor.
Pomegranate molasses is also a key ingredient in Persian dishes such as fesenjan (a Persian stew made with chicken and walnuts) and muhammara. It's also wonderful added to some plain yogurt and some mixologists have been using it as a "secret ingredient" in cocktails.
Recipes:
Muhammara - a dip made of roasted red peppers and walnuts
Alton Brown's pomegranate molasses
Eggplant Lentil Stew with Pomegranate Molasses
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i use it in bbq sauce- recipe from vegan with a vengeance- and as a sauce for seitan (the recipe calls for chicken, but I sub seitan) here .
the walnut breaded seitan was decadent, and the sauce was spectacular
view jillrenee from boston's profile
A long time ago I bought Pomegranate glaze at Trader Joe's. This was just pomegranate, no other ingredients. It went very well with bbq pork. Now that TJ's doesn't carry it (along with my minced roasted garlic - DAMN YOU TRADER JOE!) I might have to buy some pomegranate juice and reduce it on my own.
view Plaid Ninja's profile
fesenjan is my all time favorite meal. it's delicious.
view fardaesm's profile
I made a great salad with arugula, blue cheese, walnuts, pomegranate seeds, roasted butternut squash and a light vinegrette topped with pomegranate molasses - fantastic!
view fmktjod's profile
I just saw a recipe that called for this in a Food and Wine cookbook I received yesterday! I'd never heard of it before that.
view Marbargarbo's profile
Pomegranate molasses is more commonly known as Grenadine. At least thats what grenadine was originally until its artificial bastard child took over the market.
view juliag's profile
This is commonly available in middle eastern and medditeranean markets, in san diego we have north park produce and vine ripe markets. I really like to make a salad dressing with a little dijon mustard and pomegranite molasses.
view jennywenny's profile