Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate molasses is a sweet and tangy syrup common in Middle Eastern cuisine: Drizzle over meat, fish, salads and more!

If you have experienced this taste sensation, you know: Pomegranate molasses is a revelation. This traditional Middle Eastern ingredient is not actually molasses. It’s a syrup that you can use to drizzle over meat, fish, vegetables, salads or dips, giving it an absolutely irresistible twist. Pomegranate molasses can be difficult to find at the store, so it may be easier to make at home. It’s also a great way to use pomegranate juice! Here’s what you need to know about this pantry staple.

What is pomegranate molasses anyway? is it molasses

This silky mist has nothing to do with molasses. Pomegranate molasses is a sweet, tangy syrup made by reducing pomegranate juice. It cooks into a thick syrup that almost resembles a balsamic reduction. It is common in Middle Eastern cuisines such as Iranian, Syrian, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine as pomegranates are native to this region. It’s a key ingredient in muhammara, the popular nut dip, or you’ll find it drizzled over meat, fish, salads or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients for this recipe with pomegranate molasses

All you need for this Pomegranate Molasses recipe is two ingredients! Many recipes call for lots of sugar and lemon juice. But our research has shown that the most traditional Iranian way of making pomegranate syrup is with very little, if any, sugar! Here’s what you need:

For juice: store-bought vs. fresh

In the recipe below, we used 2 cups of pomegranate juice, which makes ½ cup of molasses. If you want more, just double the recipe and use 4 cups of juice to get 1 cup of molasses. Since you’ll need a large amount of juice, we don’t recommend freshly squeezed pomegranate juice unless you have plenty of pomegranates on hand! Save them for salads or smoothies.

Tips for making pomegranate molasses

The basic concept of pomegranate molasses is similar to a balsamic reduction. Simmer the pomegranate juice until reduced! Here are a few things you should know about this easy recipe:

• Simmer pomegranate juice until reduced by 3/4. You can use any amount of pomegranate juice. Cook until reduced by ¾ in volume, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Two cups should be reduced to ½ cup. It is easier to judge whether this was done from this measurement.
• Don’t overcook it or it may get tough. Cook until slightly thickened.
• It will thicken even more as it cools. Put it in a jar and cool. The syrup becomes very thick when cold.
• You can sweeten to your liking, but opt ​​for a tart flavor profile. Pomegranate syrup is a sweet tart so not too sweet! But you can add more sugar if you like.

How long does homemade pomegranate molasses keep?

This homemade pomegranate molasses recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 6 months! If you want to use it frequently, you can make a double batch to get a large quantity. Speaking of which…here are the best ways to use it!

10 ways to use pomegranate molasses

There are many ways to use pomegranate molasses! Some are traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and others you are free to roam freely and mix the flavor with your favorite meat or vegetable. Here are our top ideas:

1. Salads: Season the veggies with olive oil and salt, then add the pomegranate molasses! Try it on our pomegranate salad.
2. Grilled vegetables: Try roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash with Greek yogurt.
3. Salmon: Use it as a glaze for pomegranate glazed salmon.
4. Cod: Drizzle it like a pan fried cod sauce.
5. Chicken: Use it as a frosting for poultry or in a sauce like pomegranate chicken.
6. Mohammed: Try muhammara, a traditional Lebanese dip made with nuts and peppers.
7. Hummus: Drizzle with hummus for a sweet pie.
8. Yoghurt dip: Add to the labneh dip with pomegranate seeds.
9. Cocktails: Mix 1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses with ¼ cup of champagne for a sparkling drink. Or do the same with sparkling water for a mocktail (and add non-alcoholic bitters for added complexity).
10. Dressings: Stir in your favorite sweet cake dressing recipe

More pomegranate recipes

do you like pomegranate This beautiful fruit makes every recipe better! Here are some popular pomegranate recipes:

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.