The sweet and tangy flavor of pomegranate molasses is a game-changer in many cuisines. This Middle Eastern staple has been used for centuries to add depth and complexity to various dishes, from savory meats and vegetables to sweet treats. In this article, we’ll explore the versatility of pomegranate molasses by highlighting 18 exquisite recipes that showcase its potential. From grilled chicken and roasted vegetables to glazed salmon and braised short ribs, we’ve gathered a selection of mouthwatering dishes that will inspire you to try new flavors and techniques.
Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, featuring a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses glaze. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, and honey.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush glaze onto chicken during the last minute of grilling.
6. Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Vegetables
Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Vegetables: A Sweet and Savory Twist
Elevate your roasted vegetables with the rich flavor of pomegranate molasses. This sweet and savory recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2-3 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
5. During the last 5 minutes of roasting, drizzle the pomegranate molasses over the vegetables and toss to coat.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Salmon
A sweet and savory twist on traditional salmon, this recipe combines the richness of pomegranate molasses with the flaky texture of pan-seared fish. Perfect for a quick and impressive dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey, and olive oil.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place the glaze on top of each fillet, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Kebabs
Elevate your outdoor cooking with these sweet and savory lamb kebabs infused with the rich flavors of pomegranate molasses. Perfect for a summer barbecue or dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add lamb cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Thread lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Place kebabs on grill or broiler and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired level of doneness.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing
Elevate your salads with this sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses dressing, perfect for adding a pop of flavor to any greens. This versatile dressing is great on spinach, arugula, mixed greens, or even as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until it’s fully incorporated.
3. Add honey and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cook Time: None! This dressing is ready to use straight away.
Pomegranate Molasses Braised Short Ribs
A sweet and tangy twist on classic short ribs, this recipe combines the rich flavors of braising with the fruity depth of pomegranate molasses.
Ingredients:
– 4 pounds beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot.
4. Add diced onion and cook until caramelized, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add pomegranate molasses, red wine, beef broth, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Carrots
Sweeten up your side dish with this vibrant and flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tangy richness of pomegranate molasses. Perfect for a seasonal dinner or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/4-inch thick slices
– 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey, and olive oil.
3. Add the chopped carrots and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Spread the carrot mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses and Walnut Dip
This sweet and savory dip combines the tartness of pomegranate molasses with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh walnuts
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses and honey until well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped walnuts and Greek yogurt until smooth.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None
Pomegranate Molasses Marinated Steak
Elevate your steak game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of pomegranate molasses with the boldness of grilled steak. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the flank steak to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses BBQ Sauce
Pomegranate Molasses BBQ Sauce: Sweet and Tangy Flavor
This unique BBQ sauce combines the sweetness of pomegranate molasses with a tangy kick, making it perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, pomegranate molasses, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; whisk until combined.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
This Pomegranate Molasses BBQ Sauce is perfect for grilling or baking meats. Refrigerate or freeze for later use. Enjoy!
Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Duck Breast
This recipe combines the sweetness of pomegranate molasses with the rich flavor of duck breast, resulting in a dish that’s both elegant and impressive. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 duck breasts (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Place the duck breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over the duck breasts.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses and Feta Flatbread
Elevate your flatbreads with the sweet and tangy combination of pomegranate molasses and crumbly feta cheese. This simple recipe yields a flavorful and visually appealing snack perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of flatbread (about 6-8 pieces)
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush each flatbread with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle pomegranate molasses over the flatbreads, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the molasses.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and the flatbread is crispy.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your roasted Brussels sprouts game with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses! This sweet and tangy twist on a classic side dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from the oven and drizzle with pomegranate molasses.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses and Mint Yogurt Sauce
Elevate your snacks or desserts with this unique and flavorful condiment, perfect for warm weather. This pomegranate molasses and mint yogurt sauce is a refreshing twist on traditional tzatziki.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (see note)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped mint leaves.
3. Add pomegranate molasses and whisk until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Note: Pomegranate molasses can be found at Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores. If unavailable, substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice or jam mixed with a pinch of sugar.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes)
Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the bold flavors of pomegranate molasses with the richness of brown sugar and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, brown sugar, honey, and cumin.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Place pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses and Pistachio Rice Pilaf
This fragrant and flavorful pilaf combines the sweetness of pomegranate molasses with the crunch of toasted pistachios, perfect for a quick and satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and cook according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the pomegranate molasses over low heat until warm and fragrant.
3. Add the chopped parsley and pistachios to the cooked rice and stir to combine.
4. Pour the warm pomegranate molasses mixture over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses and Goat Cheese Tart
Pomegranate Molasses and Goat Cheese Tart: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This elegant tart combines the tanginess of goat cheese with the sweetness of pomegranate molasses, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, pomegranate molasses, honey, and salt. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Fold edges of pastry up over filling to create a crust. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses and Orange Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of oranges with the tartness of pomegranate molasses, creating a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, orange juice, and pomegranate molasses. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Pomegranate molasses adds a sweet and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. From savory meats like grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, and glazed salmon, to roasted vegetables and braised short ribs, this flavorful condiment elevates any meal. It’s also delicious as a salad dressing or paired with cheese on flatbread. And for dessert, try it in a cake or tart. With 18 recipes that showcase its versatility, pomegranate molasses is sure to become your new go-to ingredient.
