Homemade Pomegranate Molasses (Easy Pomegranate Syrup Recipe)
on Feb 01, 2022
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Homemade Pomegranate Molasses has a bright, fruity flavor and can be used in so many ways. It’s traditionally used in Middle Eastern cuisine, and really easy to make at home from scratch! You can drizzle this delicious syrup on desserts, use it as a glaze for cooking meat or as salad dressing.
Have you heard the amazing health benefits of pomegranates? These tangy tropical fruits are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C to help boost your immune system. Besides enjoying them freshly picked or using them to make juice, these fruits can be used to make thick, syrupy molasses.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
The juice of the pomegranate fruit can be used to make a thick syrup known as pomegranate molasses. As the name suggests, it has a similar consistency to sugar cane molasses, but with the fruity, tangy taste of pomegranate. This thick syrup is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pomegranate Juice: You can use store-bought pomegranate juice for this recipe, or make your own juice from fresh fruits.
- Sugar: Either white or brown sugar is fine for this recipe. Note that brown sugar will darken the appearance of the molasses.
- Lemon Juice: You can use store-bought or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Lime juice can also be used.
How to make Pomegranate Molasses
1. Add pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, stirring to make sure the sugar is dissolved properly.
2. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally. Make sure the mixture is not burned.
3. Dip a spoon into the mixture. If it coats the back of the spoon, it is done cooking.
4. Turn off the heat and pour the mixture into a container, allowing it to cool to room temperature.
Tips & Tricks for Make the Best Pomegranate Molasses
Though this is a very simple recipe, there are some key steps to follow to ensure you’ll get the best result:
- Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved into the mixture so that the texture of the syrup will be smooth.
- After everything is mixed in, reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting and allow it to slowly simmer for about an hour and half. Any longer than this creates the risk of burning.
- Note that the molasses will be thicker once cooled.
Ways to Use Pomegranate Molasses
A jar of fresh, homemade pomegranate molasses has so many possibilities. The tangy syrup can be drizzled on desserts for a burst of fruity flavor. Add to your iced tea for a unique and refreshing taste. You can even make pomegranate soda by stirring the molasses into sparkling water.
This molasses can be used to make a glaze for chicken or pork and makes an excellent ingredient for dipping sauces and salad dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Pomegranate Molasses Taste Like?
Just like pomegranates, this molasses has an intense sour and sweet flavor. Some might say it has a similar flavor to balsamic vinegar.
How to Tell When the Molasses is Done Cooking?
Dip a spoon into the mixture. If it coats the back of the spoon, it is done cooking. Don’t worry if it’s not thick as the mixture will thicken as it cools.
How Long Does Homemade Pomegranate Molasses Last?
Store your pomegranate molasses in an airtight glass jar for up to six months in the refrigerator. It’s best to use a jar with a non-metallic lid.
What Can I Substitute for Pomegranate Molasses
If a recipe calls for pomegranate molasses but you don’t have any on hand, what can you do? Create a mixture of raspberry or pomegranate jelly and lemon juice. This mixture can be used similarly to pomegranate molasses.
Where Can I Buy Pomegranate Molasses?
Prefer to purchase your pomegranate molasses ready-made? Online retailers such as Amazon are usually stocked with several brands of pomegranate molasses. You can also check specialty or gourmet grocery stores like Whole Foods Market.
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Easy Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups pomegranate juice, (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup sugar, (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Mix all the ingredients
- In a medium saucepan or pot, add pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and stir to make sure the sugar is dissolved properly.
Boil down the mixture to a thick syrup
- Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally. Make sure the mixture is not burned.
- Dip a spoon into the mixture. If it coats the back of the spoon, it is done cooking. (Don’t worry if it’s not thick enough as it will thickens more as it cools.)
- Turn off the heat and pour the mixture into a container, allowing it to cool to room temperature (for about 30 minutes)
Serve and store
- Once it’s completely cool, pour it into a jar. Serve and enjoy!
- For the leftovers, cover with lid and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- As store-bought pomegranate has different acidity and sweetness level, you’ll need to adjust the ingredients according to your preference.
- Make sure not to over-cook your molasses, otherwise, the color will turn to dark brown, or even get burned.
- Note that the mixture will become much thicker after it cools down.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
