Looking for pomegranate recipes? We've got plenty of inspiration for using the raw pomegranate seeds, juice and molasses in a range of colourful and delicious recipes, including pomegranate salads and pomegranate chicken. Also check out our Middle Eastern meze recipes and healthy fruit recipes.

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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.

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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 be eaten raw in salads to provide a sour, fruity flavour and crunchy texture. They also work well with roasted meats and 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?

Many of the health benefits attributed to pomegranates are thanks to punicic acid, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, and punicalagins which are potent antioxidants that offer three times the antioxidant activity of red wine or green tea. Pomegranates also have an impressive nutrient profile, providing a source of fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins and potassium. In fact, one pomegranate supplies about a third of your daily vitamin C and a quarter of your folate (folic acid).

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

Pomegranate chicken traybake

A kick of rose harissa is balanced by sweet pomegranate molasses in this easy chicken traybake recipe, topped with a scattering of feta.

You'll love our puttanesca chicken traybake.

An oven dish filled with chicken baked in a tomato sauce, set on a red napkin with a yellow background

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.

Next, try our our aubergine lasagne.

Warm aubergine, pomegranate and onion salad

Pomegranate-glazed lamb kebabs

Make a simple sweet, sour and sticky glaze using pomegranate molasses and chilli jam, then slather on shop-bought lamb kebabs for an effortless BBQ main.

See all our kebab recipes.

a plate of hummus, salad and lamb kebabs on wooden skewers

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.

We've got lots more amazing Middle Eastern recipes.

Smoked Aubergine Salad Recipe with Pomegranates

Pomegranate ice cream

This no-churn ice cream couldn't be easier – it's very creamy but the pomegranate molasses adds a fruity, sweet-and-sour flavour.

Serve up a scoop of our roasted banana caramel ice cream.

A tub of cream-coloured ice cream with pomegranate molasses rippled through, with a silver scoop on a yellow background

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.

Nail Sunday lunch with our easy roast chicken.

Chicken and Pomegranate Recipe with Mint

Pomegranate margarita

Pomegranate molasses has a concentrated flavour. Here, it's matched with tequila, triple sec and fresh lime to make a refreshingly sweet-sour cocktail.

Then check out our classic margarita.

A silver tray of orange cocktails on an orange background

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.

Give our seared tuna and radicchio salad a go.

Radicchio, pomegranate, walnuts and mint

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.

Bake our sweet, sticky date and walnut cake.

Date and Pecan Loaf Recipe with Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate negroni

Pomegranate juice, dry gin and sweet vermouth create a simple and refreshing pre-dinner drink for two. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Pomegrante negroni in a tumbler glass garnished with a slice of blood orange

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.

For another crowd-pleasing main, try our slow-cooked lamb shawarma.

Anardana gosht (lamb cooked in pomegranate)

Hibiscus, pomegranate and rose shrub

Experiment with hibiscus powder to make this delightful summery shrub – think of it as a sweetly acidic, grown-up cordial.

Sip on our blackcurrant cordial.

Hibiscus, pomegranate and rose shrub in a glass

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.

You need to try our baked feta pasta.

Baked Feta Cheese Recipe with Tomatoes

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 is a great one to bring to the table.

Have a look at all our carrot recipes.

Roasted carrots with tahini and pomegranate

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.

Find more clever ways to use chicken breasts.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe with Miso Kale

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.

Be inspired by our best Indian recipes.

Bhel Puri with pomegranate dishes

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.

See all our ways to use a bag of bulgur wheat.

Pomegranate roasted chicken with bulgur wheat salad

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.

For another flavoursome dish, try gochujang butter cauliflower.

Cauliflower Shawarma Recipe With Pomegranate, Tahini and Pine Nuts

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.

Have a look at our butternut squash pasta.

Roast Roots Recipe With Pomegranate Molasses

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.

For another meaty main, try slow cooker beef.

Pomegranate and slow cooked lamb couscous

Pomegranate and walnut stuffing balls

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

Or keep it classic with our sage and onion stuffing.

A black bowl of stuffing balls on a greed background

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.

Try our sweet and salty watermelon and halloumi salad.

A round white serving plate of green leaves and red pomegranate seeds, sat on a folded piece of white linen

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.

Serve our flavourful cauliflower couscous salad.

Pomegranate stuffing in a bowl

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.

See all our veggie side dishes.

Roasted Vegetables Recipe with Pomegranate

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.

A bottle of homemade grenadine with pomegranate on the side

Rose and pomegranate meringues

Ruby-red pomegranate seeds and fragrant rosewater are the stars in this festive meringue dessert, served with fresh mint and edible rose petals.

Several meringues on serving plates with a bright red sauce on top

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.

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Learn how to make the perfect hummus.

Pigeon Breast Recipe with Hummus and Pomegranate

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