Ingredient of the Week: Pomegranates
The pomegranate originated in Persia and has been cultivated for several millennia. Most people think it is a messy fruit to eat and hard to use in recipies. Perhaps this is why it has recently resurfaced and gained worldwide popularity in the form of pomegranate juice. Now easily accessible, this juice has created a new way for pomegranates to be incorporated into recipes (although the seeds of the fruit retain their culinary uses). The fruit’s sweet, tart, gem-like juice sacs, bursting with pure flavour make this an ingredient adaptable to many dishes. Pomegrantes are not only delicious, but good for you, as they are packed with antioxidants.
So make the most of the pomegranate now, as it is fresh in season only until the end of January.Try your own homemade Pomegranate, Grapefruit and Lemon Marmalade for breakfast. For an appetiser, whip up a Pomegranate Yoghurt Dip, or use pomegranate and cranberry juices along with chilli and garlic to cook Sticky Red Wings. Experiment with a new spin on an avocado dip by adding a splash of this amazing fruit’s juice and seeds. Salads are the perfect way to use pomegranates: drizzle Pomegranate Vinaigrette over vegetables, such as cucumber, papaya and green bean, for a real zing! Or, if you’re looking for wintry comfort food with a twist, how about Pomegranate Meatball Soup, or White Bean Soup with Pomegranate Salsa?
The pomegranate is so versatile that it can really add refreshing flavour to a wide variety of otherwise boring entr?es. Marinate a rack of lamb in garlic, thyme and pomegranate juice or combine chicken with pomegranate and walnuts for a feast. Halibut Rolled with Pomegranate Stuffing is a healthy fish dish, and grilled eggplant pairs up deliciously with pomegranate sauce. Goose with Pomegranate Glaze is a delectable treat for any special occasion and Spicy Pomegranate Relish will complement nicely.
When it comes to desserts, relish this fruit’s tantalising seeds, by sprinkling over cakes or puddings or topping cereal or sundaes with it. Tasty pomegranate syrup or molasses can be used in baking or drizzled over pancakes and waffles. Stir up some Pomegranate Jelly with Ginger or bake some Pomegranate Ginger Muffins. For something truly out of the ordinary, whip up Pomegranate Parfait or sink your teeth into Spicy Pomegranate Baked Pears. Bananas also pair up well with this fruit, topped with palm sugar and some lime juice.
Let’s not forget beverages. You most likely will be familiar with Pomegranate Martinis, but for the latest craze, indulge in Pomegranate Champagne or Pomegranate Margaritas. A pomegranate cocktail is easy to mix up, but if you’re looking for more of a challenge, try making some Spiced Pomegranate-Apple Cider.
My favourite way to eat this fruit: just pop some pomegranate seeds into your mouth and enjoy!
Recipies for the above dishes can also be found online at : http://www.pomegranates.org/
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Nathalie J. Kyrou © 2007
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