Authentic Tomato & Pomegranate Molasses Recipe – Middle Eastern Dip

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Tomato & Pomegranate Molasses Recipe – Middle Eastern Dip

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this vibrant and flavorful Tomato & Pomegranate Molasses dip with you. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and honestly, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. I first made this when a friend visiting from Lebanon insisted I try it – and I’ve been making it ever since! It’s incredibly fresh, tangy, and just bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is seriously addictive. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. It’s incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it as a dip with warm pita bread, a vibrant topping for grilled meats, or even as a refreshing salad. It comes together in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for a quick appetizer or a last-minute get-together. And honestly, the colors are just gorgeous – it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dip:

• 2 tomatoes
• 0.5 green bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 0.5 teaspoon sumac
• 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 lemon juice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavor:

• Pomegranate Molasses: This is the star of the show! It’s a thick, tangy syrup made from pomegranate juice. It adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor. You can usually find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores, or online. Don’t skip this – it really makes the dip!
• Sumac: This reddish-purple spice has a lovely lemony, tangy flavor. It’s commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine and adds a wonderful brightness to the dip. If you can’t find it, a little extra lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it won’t be quite the same.
• Regional Variations: Middle Eastern cuisine is incredibly diverse! You’ll find variations of this dip all over the region. Some versions include cucumber, onion, or even a touch of garlic. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll be surprised.

1. First, let’s get chopping! Finely chop the tomatoes, green bell pepper, parsley, and mint leaves. I prefer to do this by hand – it just gives the dip a more authentic texture, but a food processor works too if you’re short on time.
2. Now, add all those beautifully chopped ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
3. Time for the flavor boost! Add the pomegranate molasses, sumac, red pepper flakes, sea salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to the bowl.
4. Give everything a really good mix. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with those amazing spices and dressing.
5. And that’s it! Seriously. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this dip even better:

• Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level. If you like things really fiery, add a bit more red pepper flakes.
• For the freshest flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes.
• A good quality olive oil makes a big difference.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: My husband loves it really spicy, so I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for him.
• Serving as a Salad: My friend Sarah loves to serve this as a salad over a bed of lettuce. It’s so refreshing!
• Vegan Adaptation: To ensure it’s vegan, double-check your olive oil source. Most are vegan-friendly, but it’s always good to be sure.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With warm pita bread – a classic!
• Alongside grilled meats like chicken or lamb.
• As a topping for falafel or shawarma.
• With veggie sticks for a healthy snack.

Storage Instructions

This dip is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together even more, but the texture might soften slightly.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Pomegranate Molasses and where can I find it? Pomegranate molasses is a thick, tangy syrup made from pomegranate juice. You can find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online retailers.
• Can I make this dip ahead of time? While it’s best fresh, you can chop the vegetables a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Then, just mix everything together when you’re ready to serve.
• What is Sumac and what does it taste like? Sumac is a reddish-purple spice with a lemony, tangy flavor. It adds a wonderful brightness to the dip.
• What kind of tomatoes work best for this recipe? Roma tomatoes or any other firm, ripe tomato will work well.
• Can I use dried mint and parsley instead of fresh? While fresh is always best, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and how it turns out!