21 pomegranate recipes

The Latin translation for pomegranate is ‘apple with many seeds’ but don’t rush to bite into one. Make sure you remove the thick, pithy skin before getting to the sweet, slightly tart seeds inside.

What are pomegranates?

Pomegranates are round, shiny fruits originally grown between northern India and Iran. They have a hard outer shell that can be cut open to reveal red jewel-like sacs filled with sweet, juicy flesh and white, pithy seeds. They are highly nutritious and renowned for their antioxidant properties.

How to cut a pomegranate

Learn how to cut a pomegranate and extract the seeds with our step-by-step instructions:

1. Cut the pomegranate in half along its circumference.

2. Taking one half at a time, and working over a bowl, squeeze the fruit to loosen the seeds.

3. Bash the top of the pomegranate with a wooden spoon to release all the seeds.

For more advice, watch our video on how to remove pomegranate seeds.

How to cook pomegranates

The seeds can eaten raw in salads to provide a sour, fruity flavour and crunchy texture. They also work well with roasted meats and rich stews, as the flavour cuts through the richness of these dishes.

What is pomegranate molasses?

Pomegranate molasses is made by reducing pomegranate juice to a syrup. The molasses adds a tangy zing to dressings and marinades, but also works well as a rich, fruity glaze for roasted meat.

Fresh pomegranate juice can also be used in cocktails or bastes for meat.

What are the health benefits of pomegranates?

Our nutritionist Tracey Raye says: “Many of the health benefits attributed to pomegranates are thanks to two unique plant compounds: punicic acid and punicalagins. Punicic acid is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid found in pomegranate seed oil. Punicalagins are potent antioxidants that offer three times the antioxidant activity of red wine or green tea.”

Where to buy pomegranate molasses

For the best advice on where to source this ingredient, read our guide on what is pomegranate molasses and where to buy it

Pomegranate recipes

Warm aubergine, pomegranate and onion salad

This comforting slow-cooker salad sees pomegranate molasses used in a wonderfully sticky dressing that coats the aubergines. The pomegranate seeds are also used to garnish the finished dish.

Pomegranate and walnut stuffing balls

Pomegranate seeds give this stuffing bursts of sweet-sour flavour, combined with sausagemeat, walnuts and garlic.

Smoked aubergine, pepper and walnut salad with pomegranate

This Middle Eastern-style sweet and smoky vegan aubergine salad would make the perfect addition to a sharing spread. We've used pomegranate seeds as a beautiful crunchy topping. It's best served with flatbreads for dunking.

Parsley and pomegranate salad

This simple assortment of pomegranate, flat-leaf parsley, peppery rocket and shallot is easy to assemble, yet offers impressive results. It's perfect for a side salad without any of the fuss.

Roast chicken with pomegranate and mint

Pomegranate seeds and mint provide a burst of freshness in this nourishing and quick chicken dish. The chicken is also roasted in pomegranate molasses for a deep flavour. Serve it with a hearty salad for an easy midweek meal.

Radicchio, pomegranate, walnuts and mint

This vibrant purple salad can be found on the menu at Glasgow's Gloriosa, and makes a great dinner party side. Pomegranate seeds and crushed walnuts are sprinkled over the top of this wintry salad, along with a fresh, minty dressing.

Date and pecan loaf with pomegranate molasses

Use pomegranate molasses in this gorgeously nutty bake to make it extra-sweet and moist. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and an extra drizzle of molasses for an indulgent dessert.

Anardana gosht (lamb cooked in pomegranate)

Make this gluten-free recipe for succulent lamb cooked in pomegranate and spices. It's packed full of flavour and well worth the effort. Pomegranate molasses adds richness to the sauce, while pomegranate seeds are mixed with natural yogurt and beetroot in a cooling raita to serve on the side.

Pomegranate-glazed baby vegetables with grapes

Give your roasted veg an impressively sticky glaze with pomegranate molasses, honey, blackberry jelly and spices. Black grapes add a touch of sweetness to the dish, which goes well with caramelised vegetables.

Pomegranate stuffing

This Middle Eastern-style stuffing looks beautiful with its pomegranate seeds, pistachios, apricots and cranberries, and can be used to stuff a turkey or chicken. It’s an easy alternative to baked stuffing.

Baked feta with pomegranate and tomatoes

Make this light and flavoursome vegetarian recipe in under an hour for an impressive dinner party dish. The tangy feta works really well with the sweetness of the pomegranates and tomatoes in the sauce.

Pigeon, hummus and pomegranate

Pomegranate seeds brighten up this impressive starter recipe from London restaurant EartH Kitchen. Finish off the grilled pigeon with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses and red wine vinegar.

Pomegranate and vodka cocktails

Friday night has never looked so good with these vibrant pomegranate and vodka cocktails. Use freshly squeezed or shop-bought pomegranate juice to mix with zingy lime, vodka and a touch of sugar.

Roasted carrots with tahini and pomegranate

Give your roast veg a special twist by topping carrots with juicy pomegranate seeds and nutty tahini. This beautiful vegan dish will serve four as a side.

Miso kale, pomegranate and chicken salad

Make this nourishing chicken salad for a hearty meal to lift the winter blues. Baked chicken breasts and sweet potatoes are mixed with a kale, avocado and pomegranate seed salad, then covered in a tangy miso dressing.

Pomegranate bhel puri

Pomegranate bhel puri is a quick and easy savoury street-food snack from Mumbai. Mix pomegranate seeds with crunchy chopped peanuts, chickpea noodles, puffed rice, herbs and spices for a wonderful array of textures and flavours.

Pomegranate roasted chicken with bulgur wheat salad

Make this simple, healthy recipe for chicken roasted in pomegranate molasses with bulgur wheat seed salad. Ready in 40 minutes, it's great for a nourishing midweek meal.

Cauliflower shawarma, pomegranate, tahini and pine nuts

A stunning veg centrepiece topped with a crown of jewel-like pomegranate seeds. This recipe comes from Berber and Q in east London. Serving cauliflower whole fresh from the BBQ is inspired, particularly when it's smothered in shawarma butter.

Roast roots with pomegranate molasses

A simple festive side, these gorgeous vegetables can be cooked in the oven while the turkey is resting. Molasses and cumin seeds elevate the flavour of roots like carrots, squash and parsnips beautifully.

Pomegranate and slow-cooked lamb couscous

Combine fresh pomegranate with harissa couscous and slow-cooked, spiced lamb. This melt-in-the-mouth supper is perfect for feeding the family on a weekend.

Grenadine

Pomegranate juice, sugar and orange blossom water is all you need to make this simple homemade grenadine that’s ready in just 15 minutes.