Pomegranate Molasses are a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes, offering a tangy-sweet flavor that enhances salads, marinades, sauces, and desserts.
Made from fresh pomegranate juice, sugar, and a hint of lemon, this homemade condiment brings a rich, syrupy texture and a burst of fruity taste to your recipes. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of molasses today!
Contents
Why You’ll Love Pomegranate Molasses
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own molasses allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
- Versatile Ingredient: Pomegranate molasses can be used in a variety of dishes, from dressings and marinades to desserts and cocktails, adding a unique sweet-tart flavor.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it a convenient addition to your pantry.
Ingredients For Pomegranate Molasses
- Fresh Pomegranate Juice: Pure pomegranate juice provides the rich, fruity base and primary flavor for the molasses.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the pomegranate juice and aids in caramelization during reduction.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances tartness and adds acidity, which helps preserve the molasses.
How To Make Pomegranate Molasses?
First, wash the pomegranates thoroughly under running water. Cut each pomegranate in half horizontally. Get a large bowl and a wooden spoon ready for the next step.
Hold a pomegranate half over the bowl with the cut side facing down. Use the wooden spoon to firmly tap the back of the pomegranate, causing the seeds to fall out into the bowl. Repeat this process with all the halves until you’ve collected all the seeds. Remove any white pith from the bowl as it can be bitter.
Transfer the pomegranate seeds to a blender. Blend the seeds on high-speed mode until they are completely broken down and you have a thick juice. This should take about one minute.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended pomegranate mixture through the strainer, using a spatula to press and extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp and seeds.
Pour the pomegranate juice into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally and allow the mixture to cook for about 60-70 minutes, or until it has reduced by more than half and has a thick, syrupy consistency.
Your homemade pomegranate molasses is ready when it becomes thick syrup (pourable like maple syrup) and coats the back of a spoon without immediately running off. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Pour the cooled molasses into a clean, airtight jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Pomegranates: Always opt for fresh, ripe pomegranates to ensure the best flavor and maximum juice yield.
- Avoid Aluminum Pots: Use a non-reactive pot like stainless steel for cooking.
- Use a Citrus Juicer: If you find it hard to extract lemon juice by hand, use a citrus juicer to get the most out of your lemons.
Substitutions
- Bottled Pomegranate Juice: Bottled juice can be used to replace fresh pomegranate juice. It helps save time by skipping the seed extraction and juicing process. To do this use 4 cups of bottled pomegranate juice instead of fresh juice and then follow the instructions from step 5.
Variations
- Spiced Flavor: Add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to the pot during the simmering stage for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Orange-Infused Molasses: Replace half the lemon juice with fresh orange juice and add some grated orange zest to the recipe to transform it into tangy pomegranate molasses.
- Vanilla Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing the pot from heat for a rich, sweet undertone.
How To Store Pomegranate Molasses?
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover pomegranate molasses in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months.
- Freeze: Transfer the molasses to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw: Defrost the molasses in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. If in a rush, you can also thaw in the microwave on low power.
- Serve: Serve Pomegranate Molasses at room temperature or slightly warmed for best flavor. Enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of this versatile ingredient!
Best Uses Of Pomegranate Molasses
- Salad Dressings: This molasses adds a tangy and slightly sweet depth to vinaigrettes and dressings. Mix it with olive oil, mustard, and a touch of Honey to make salad dressing with pomegranate molasses.
- Marinades: Use pomegranate molasses in marinades for meats such as Chicken, lamb, or beef. It imparts a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the taste of grilled or roasted dishes.
- Glazes: Create a flavorful glaze for roasted vegetables or meats. Brush pomegranate molasses over Carrots, eggplants, or a roast in the final minutes of cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Dips: Incorporate pomegranate molasses into dips like Hummus or Baba Ganoush for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a unique twist and a hint of sweetness to these classic appetizers.
- Sauces: Add pomegranate molasses to sauces for a burst of flavor. It works well in both savory and sweet sauces, such as those served with duck, pork, or even desserts like Panna Cotta.
FAQ’S
Can I Use Store Bought Pomegranate Molasses?
You can certainly use store-bought pomegranate molasses as a convenient alternative. Store-bought versions are often consistent in flavor and texture, saving you time in the kitchen. However, homemade pomegranate molasses tends to have a fresher, richer taste and allows you to control the sweetness and acidity according to your preference.
Can I Make Sugar Free Pomegranate Molasses?
Yes, you can make sugar free pomegranate molasses by simply reducing fresh pomegranate juice and lemon juice without adding sugar. This will result in a thicker, more tart syrup that still retains the essence of pomegranate flavor.
What Can I Substitute For Pomegranate Molasses?
If you’re looking for a substitution for pomegranate molasses, try a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey or reduced cranberry juice. This pomegrante molasses substitute will achieve a similar sweet-tart flavor profile.
Are Pomegranate Sauce And Molasses The Same?
No, pomegranate sauce and pomegranate molasses are not the same. Pomegranate sauce is typically sweeter and less concentrated, while pomegranate molasses is a thick, tangy syrup with a more intense flavor achieved by reducing pomegranate juice.
When Is Pomegrante Season?
Pomegrante season in the UK and USA is usually from the end of fall through to winter during the months of November to March. In New Zealand pomegrantes are available May To August.
Check out our Roasted Beets, Blood Orange, and Pomegranate Molasses Salad recipe!
Pomegrante Molasses
Ingredients
- 3 Pomegrantes
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
Instructions
- First, wash the pomegranates thoroughly under running water. Cut each pomegranate in half horizontally. Get a large bowl and a wooden spoon ready for the next step.
- Hold a pomegranate half over the bowl with the cut side facing down. Use the wooden spoon to firmly tap the back of the pomegranate, causing the seeds to fall out into the bowl. Repeat this process with all the halves until you’ve collected all the seeds. Remove any white pith from the bowl as it can be bitter.
- Transfer the pomegranate seeds to a blender. Blend the seeds on high-speed mode until they are completely broken down and you have a thick juice. This should take about one minute.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended pomegranate mixture through the strainer, using a spatula to press and extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp and seeds.
- Pour the pomegranate juice into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally and allow the mixture to cook for about 60-70 minutes, or until it has reduced by more than half and has a thick, syrupy consistency.
- Your homemade pomegranate molasses is ready when it becomes thick syrup (pourable like maple syrup) and coats the back of a spoon without immediately running off. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Pour the cooled molasses into a clean, airtight jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator.
