Pomegranate Molasses Is Sweet, Tart, and Versatile—Here’s How to Use It

Like the wondrous Persian-born fruit it's derived from, pomegranate molasses is an ingredient with culinary superpowers. As for how to use pomegranate molasses, it's a game changer that goes the gamut, punching up appetizers, mains, desserts, and drinks, with each spoonful. To discover more about this versatile condiment, we turned to Middle Eastern cuisine experts, who shared their favorite applications, as well as tips for making your own.

What Is Pomegranate Molasses?

Also known as pomegranate syrup, pomegranate molasses is a rich, complex concentrate. "Pomegranate molasses is normally made from just pomegranate juice that has been reduced down to a glaze consistency," explains Edy Massih, author of the Lebanese cookbook, Keep It Zesty. and the chef and owner of Edy's Grocer in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a Lebanese market and deli that stocks pomegranate molasses among its Middle Eastern comestibles.

Variations: Some brands add sugar and lemon juice to the thick, tangy syrup, or temper the sourness with date syrup.

Taste and consistency: Unadulterated or not, the result is deliciously distinctive. "The flavor is intensely tart with subtle sweetness, offering a vibrant acidity that really wakes up a dish," says Eli "Buli" Buliskeria, executive chef at Mesiba, a Tel Avivian-inspired restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. "It has a deep ruby color and a rich, slightly sticky texture."

Centuries-Old Condiment

While its history is hazy, pomegranate molasses is considered a Persian innovation (hailing from what's now Iran), earning a place in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African kitchens centuries ago. 

Pantry basic: "Pomegranate molasses is a staple in our home," says Daniella Soofer, head of digital marketing and ecommerce for Sadaf Foods, an LA-based online purveyor of Middle Eastern products, founded by her Iranian family. "Growing up, and even now, I always have it on hand," agrees Massih, who spent his early childhood in Lebanon. "It's a foundational ingredient in many Levantine and Middle Eastern kitchens," says Georgian-born Israeli Buli. 

Different names: In the Levant, which encompasses Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Syria and Lebanon, its Arabic name is dib dib ar-rumman, meaning "thickened pomegranate juice." In Hebrew, it is known as rekkez rimonim, also referred to as "pomegranate concentrate."

Whatever you call it, this potent pucker-upper brings depth of flavor to everything it touches. "I've always seen it as one of those magic ingredients that can instantly elevate a dish," Buli confirms.

Nutritional Benefits

Rich in vitamin C, as well as vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6, pomegranate molasses is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavor Pairings

"Pomegranate molasses pairs beautifully with citrus, nuts, sumac, fresh herbs, and creamy elements like tahini or yogurt," says Soofer, noting that it complements warm spices, garlic, chili, and honey.

Home cooks can also cast their gastronomic net wider than the syrup's origins. "While it's deeply rooted in Persian and Middle Eastern cooking, pomegranate molasses is incredibly versatile across cuisines," she says.

How to Use Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate syrup zips up every course on the menu. "It straddles both sweet and savory beautifully," Buli says. Here's how to incorporate this flavor bomb:

Salads: It adds a unique sweetness to salads and goes well with many different flavors, ingredients, and types of salads, says Massih. Transform our Basic Vinaigrette recipes—or our Pomegranate Bulgur Salad—with a splash.

Stews and soups: "In Persian cuisine, it's a hero ingredient in dishes like fesenjan (a walnut and pomegranate chicken stew), asheh anar (a pomegranate and herb soup), and oliveh parvardeh (a marinated olive appetizer), adding its signature depth and tang to each," Soofer says. A dash takes our North African Beef and Carrot Stew With Mint to unexpected places.

Mezze: Pomegranate also enlivens muhammara, the Syrian walnut-enriched dip, says Massih. He suggests serving it in a mezze lineup. Add a dollop to our Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip With Pomegranate.

Marinades: "It goes really well with gamey meat, so with beef or lamb, I use it in a marinade or a finishing sauce," Massih says. In marinades, it helps tenderize meat, too, Soofer says.

As the marinade caramelizes, it lends a beautifully glazed finish. Buli gives his lamb neck dish at Mesiba a nice gloss with pomegranate molasses. Try it in our Pomegranate Skirt Steak Kebabs.

Vegetables: Vegetables are also glow-up territory. "You can throw it on top of vegetables before roasting them, says Massih. Tuck it into the dressing for our Roasted Vegetables With Pomegranate Vinaigrette.

Cocktails: Why should the POMtini have all the fun? Pomegranate syrup makes a unique-tasting sweetener for drinks like a pomegranate margarita and a pomegranate Moscow Mule, Massih says. It's a flavor boost for mocktails, too, like our Pomegranate and Pink Grapefruit Punch.

Creamy desserts: "Even in desserts like cakes or panna cotta, a light glaze of pomegranate molasses adds a jewel-toned finish and a sweet-sour complexity that keeps each bite interesting," Soofer says. Use a squiggle to heighten our Cardamom-Buttermilk Panna Cotta With Pomegranate.

A drizzle over yogurt or malabi is amazing, Buli concurs, referring to the Israeli rosewater syrup-enhanced pudding. Use a hint of pomegranate syrup to up the intrigue of our Rice Pudding.

Homemade Pomegranate Syrup

You can find bottled pomegranate molasses at local grocery stores and online retailers specializing in Middle Eastern products, or you can make your own. Massih advises simmering pomegranate juice on the stovetop until it reduces. "It could take an hour, so just be patient, and make some snacks while you wait," he says.

Buli adds sugar and lemon to the pomegranate while it cooks, noting that the sweetness or tartness can be adjusted to taste.

How long does homemade pomegranate molasses last? Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should keep for several months.