pomegranate
Eaten with sugar and a spoon right out of the fruit or sprinkled on top of any yogurt or salad, pomegranate seeds are a way to sweeten up any meal without processed sugars or crazy calories. But the seeds aren’t the only star of the fruit; in honor of National Pomegranate Month, we’re showing you how to use this sweet, juicy fruit in 10 unique ways.
Pomegranate molasses is just a simple combination of pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice, but it can add a whole new dimension of flavor to many classic dishes. Bursting with sweetness, pomegranate molasses can be bought or made and is the base for many other interesting pomegranate recipes.
2. Cranberry pomegranate sauce
Add a sweet twist to a Thanksgiving classic by adding both pomegranate molasses and seeds to your cranberry sauce. The addition of thyme in this recipe makes it the perfect sweet-and-savory topping for your herbed turkey on Thanksgiving or any day.
For an all-natural candy that is chewy and sweet, try making these pomegranate jewels the next time you get a craving for gummy bears. The juicy flavor of the pomegranate seeds bursts through the gelatinous center.
For a sweet and savory dip perfect on crackers, pita or with fresh veggies, try this simple pomegranate pepper dip. This recipe is a twist on a classic Turkish dish, muhammara, which is typically made with red peppers, pomegranate molasses and walnuts. This recipe uses fresh pomegranate seeds instead of molasses for a deeper, richer flavor.
If you think Chipotle’s guacamole is worth the $2.13, just wait until you try this pomegranate guacamole. The sweet, juicy seeds add a burst of flavor with every bite, complementing the creamy, buttery texture of the avocado and offsetting the kick from the onions and serrano chile.
6. Pomegranate and mint sorbet
This sweet, icy sorbet is a gourmet upgrade to your Ben & Jerry’s. The mint adds a cool burst of flavor alongside the pomegranate and chocolate chips, creating a fresh twist on classic mint chip ice cream.
7. Carrot and pomegranate soup
As winter approaches, warm up with this thick and creamy carrot and pomegranate soup. The earthy taste from the carrots pairs perfectly with the syrupy and slightly sour juice from the pomegranate seeds. A crusty piece of bread for dipping is the only other thing you need for a hearty yet healthy lunch or dinner.
8. Pomegranate vanilla sangria
While sangria might seem like more of a summer drink, the addition of cinnamon sticks and warm brandy make this drink perfect for the holidays. The pomegranate arils and other citrusy fruits lighten it up for a refreshing yet warming drink.
9. Spiced pomegranate and orange caramels
These innovative fall-flavored caramels combine bright pomegranate and orange flavors with a warm blend of winter spices to create a unique, rich and chewy caramel. The flaky sea salt sprinkled on top finishes it off with a kick.
10. Pomegranate jeweled cheeseball
This white cheddar cheeseball covered in shimmering pomegranate seeds is an incredible appetizer to bring to holiday parties or to make for yourself at home. Toasted almonds and crispy sage are added to the cheesy mix for a rich, nutty flavor.
