If you’re like me, pomegranate molasses is one of your go-to ingredients.
But what do you do when you run out or can’t find it?
This article will list the best substitutes for pomegranate molasses that taste just as good or better!
So whether you can’t find pomegranate molasses or it’s just too expensive, one of these substitutes is sure to fit the bill!
Substitutes for Pomegranate Molasses
- Homemade Pomegranate Molasses
- Tamarind Paste and Honey
- Cassis Syrup
- Raspberry Jam
- Balsamic Vinegar and Sugar
- Lime or Lemon Juice with Honey
- Pomegranate Juice with Sugar
- Fresh Pomegranate Seeds
- Grenadine
- Cranberry Juice Concentrate
Homemade Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses is a tangy, sweet-tart syrup that’s perfect for glazing meat or adding flavor to cocktails.
While you can find pomegranate molasses at many specialty stores, it’s easy to make your own at home.
To make homemade pomegranate molasses, follow these simple steps:
- Wash some fresh pomegranates.
- Puree the pomegranates in a blender.
- Once crushed, extract the juices from the puree by squeezing them.
- Boil the juice and put in some lemon juice and sugar.
- Let it simmer for about 1 hour.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool.
When substituting homemade pomegranate molasses for store-bought, keep in mind that it will be less concentrated than the store-bought variety.
As a result, you may want to use a little more of it to achieve the same level of flavor.
Tamarind Paste and Honey
Tamarind Paste and honey can be used as a substitute for pomegranate molasses.
Tamarind Paste is less tart than pomegranate molasses and has a more robust flavor, while honey is sweeter than pomegranate molasses.
The benefits of using this substitute are that it will not alter the taste of the dish you are making as significantly as other substitutes might.
It is also less expensive than pomegranate molasses.
To substitute pomegranate molasses with tamarind and honey, you can use a 1:1 ratio.
When substituting tamarind paste and honey for pomegranate molasses, it is important to keep in mind that the final product will be slightly sweeter than if you had used pomegranate molasses.
Cassis Syrup
Cassis syrup is a rich, thick syrup with a deep, tart flavor.
It’s perfect for glazing meat and poultry and can also be used in baking or mixed into cocktails.
Here are some reasons why cassis syrup is the perfect pomegranate molasses substitute:
– It has a similar deep, tart flavor that complements savory dishes perfectly.
– It’s thick and syrupy, making it ideal for glazing meat and poultry.
– It can be used in baking or mixed into cocktails for a unique twist.
– It’s widely available in most supermarkets.
So next time you’re looking for a pomegranate molasses substitute, reach for some cassis syrup – you won’t be disappointed!
Raspberry Jam
Raspberry jam can be used as a replacement for pomegranate molasses in most cases.
The benefits of using the substitute are two-fold.
Firstly, it’s much easier to find raspberry jam than pomegranate molasses.
Secondly, the flavor is quite similar, albeit not identical.
Recipes or things the substitutes are suitable to be used include salad dressings, glazes for meat or fish, and cocktails.
The ratio you need to use when opting for the alternative is 1:1.
How does it compare with other substitutes?
I would say it’s on par with other substitutes.
What changes the substitute may make in the recipe you choose to use it in?
The main change will be in the color of the dish. Instead of a deep red, it will be more of a pinkish hue.
Balsamic Vinegar and Sugar
Balsamic vinegar and sugar mixture is a great substitute for pomegranate molasses.
You can use it in any recipe that calls for pomegranate molasses, and it will add a great depth of flavor.
To substitute, you can use a 1:1 ratio.
The benefits of using this substitute are that it is cheaper than pomegranate molasses, and it is easier to find in stores.
Lime or Lemon Juice with Honey
Lime or lemon juice with honey can be used as a substitute for pomegranate molasses.
This substitute works best when you are looking to add a sour and sweet taste to your dish.
The benefit of using this substitute is that it is much cheaper than purchasing pomegranate molasses and still gives you the desired flavor.
Recipes that these substitutes would be suitable for inclusion, glazes, salad dressings, and marinades.
It is important to use a 1:1 ratio of lime or lemon juice to honey when using this substitute.
This substitute compares similarly to other substitutes like sugar and vinegar.
The main difference that this substitute will make in your recipe is the addition of sweetness.
Pomegranate Juice with Sugar
Pomegranate juice with sugar is another suitable substitute for pomegranate molasses.
Make sure to mix 1/2 cup sugar with 3 1/2 cups of pomegranate juice and add about 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
The benefits of using this substitute are twofold.
First, it’s significantly cheaper than purchasing pomegranate molasses outright.
Second, it’s much easier to find pomegranate juice and sugar than it is to find pomegranate molasses.
This substitute is particularly well-suited for use in baking recipes, as the sugar will help to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
Fresh Pomegranate Seeds
Fresh pomegranate seeds can be used in a variety of recipes and offer several benefits over traditional pomegranate molasses.
For one, they’re lower in sugar.
They’re also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthier option overall.
And they’ll add a bright pop of flavor to any dish.
To use them as a substitute for pomegranate molasses, add them to the recipe in a 1:1 ratio.
You may find that the seeds add a bit more texture to your dishes than the molasses, so try mashing them up before adding them to the recipe.
Grenadine
Grenadine can be used as a substitute for pomegranate molasses in any recipe that calls for the latter.
It has a similar sweetness and thickness, making it ideal for use in sauces, marinades, glazes, and desserts.
Grenadine will impart a slightly sweeter flavor than pomegranate molasses, so keep this in mind when adjusting the sugar content of your recipe.
Cranberry Juice Concentrate
Cranberry juice concentrate is a great substitute for pomegranate molasses.
It has a similar tart flavor, and it can be easily found in most supermarkets.
In addition, cranberry juice concentrate is much less expensive than pomegranate molasses.
Cranberry juice concentrate can be used in many of the same recipes as pomegranate molasses.
It is perfect for marinades, salad dressings, and sauces.
It can also be used to add flavor to roast chicken or turkey.
Conclusion
With a little creativity, you can easily find an alternative to pomegranate molasses that tastes just as good or better than the original.
So next time your recipe calls for pomegranate molasses, don’t be afraid to experiment with one of these substitutes!