Do you have a recipe that calls for Pomegranate Molasses? If you’re struggling to find it here are my favourite Pomegranate Molasses substitutes…
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
It’s a thick honey-like syrup made by boiling to concentrate the juice of sour (not sweet) pomegranates.
Some producers also add sugar and lemon juice.
This delicious syrup is tart and sweet (about 35% sugar). A little goes a long way!
Also called Pomegranate Concentrate or Pomegranate syrup, it’s used in Lebanese and Persian cooking.
The Best Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes
1. Fresh Pomegranate Seeds
My favourite substitute for pomegranate molasses is to use fresh pomegranate seeds instead. Generally these are added just before serving.
For example if a salad recipe has pomegranate molasses in the dressing, I would skip is there and then serve the salad with pomegranate seeds sprinkled over.
It will taste different but I actually prefer fresher flavour and beautiful appearance of little jewelled pomegranate seeds.
2. Pomegranate Juice + Sugar
If you happen to have a commercial pomegranate juice, this can be used instead of pomegranate molasses. The flavour won’t be as intense and you may want to add a little sugar or honey to boost the sweetness and balance out the acidity.
3. Lemon or Lime Juice
The easiest-to-find substitute is lemon or lime juice. It won’t add the sweetness or fragrance of pomegranate but in most cases fresh lemon or lime juice will still yield a delicious result.
4. Lemon Juice + Honey
If the dish tastes too tart with just lemon juice, balance the acidity with some sweetness from a pinch of sugar, honey or maple syrup.
How to Make / Prepare Pomegranate Molasses /
Personally I prefer to just buy my pomegranate molasses or use the substitutes above.
But when my Pomegranate trees mature and I am overwhelmed with an abundance of fruit, I would start with this recipe.
How to Store Pomegranate Molasses
Lasts for years in the pantry.
Delicious Pomegranate Molasses Flavour Pairings
- Chicken & Pomegranate Molasses
- Eggplant (Aubergine) & Pomegranate Molasses
- Fish & Pomegranate Molasses
- Red Bell Peppers (Capsicum) & Pomegranate Molasses
- Lamb & Pomegranate Molasses
- Tahini & Pomegranate Molasses
- Walnut & Pomegranate Molasses
More Ingredient Substitutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Miso Paste
- Oyster Sauce
- Pesto
- Tahini
Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x
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