Looking for a burst of color and flavor on your plate? This Refreshing Pomegranate Salad might be just what you need. It’s a delightful mix of juicy pomegranate seeds, crisp greens, and a tangy dressing that makes for a perfect healthy meal. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish that will brighten up any dinner table.
Steps
- Combine sugar and water in a pot and heat on medium until the mixture reaches 220°F, or until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture has boiled for one minute. Allow it to cool completely, using the fridge to speed up the process if needed.
- Prepare pomegranate juice by de-seeding about three pomegranates. Blend the seeds until pureed and strain through a fine mesh sieve to extract as much juice as possible, aiming for 500g of juice for the sorbet.
- Mix the pomegranate juice with the cooled syrup and lemon juice. Refrigerate the mixture for several hours until thoroughly chilled.
- Once the mixture is fully cooled, churn it in an ice cream maker to achieve a smooth sorbet texture. Enjoy your freshly made pomegranate sorbet!
Ingredients
- 500g (or 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons) freshly squeezed pomegranate juice (from about 3 pomegranates)
- 150g (or ¾ cup) sugar
- 200g (or ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon) water
- Juice of half a lemon or juice of 1 lime
FAQ
- How can I tell if a pomegranate is ripe and ready to eat?
- All pomegranates available in stores are typically ripe and ready to eat upon purchase.
- What should I look for when selecting a good pomegranate at the store?
- Choose pomegranates that have a darker hue and are firm to the touch. Avoid any that have soft spots.
- How long can pomegranates be stored in the refrigerator before they are opened?
- Pomegranates can last for about one to two weeks in the fridge before they are opened.
- How should I store pomegranate arils after removing them from the fruit, and how long will they last?
- Store pomegranate arils in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to four days. Be cautious as the broken arils can start to spoil the batch.
- Is it possible to freeze pomegranate arils?
- Yes, you can freeze pomegranate arils for later use.
Tips
- De-seeding Technique: Avoid slicing a pomegranate like an orange or using the spoon method to remove the arils. Instead, cut around the calyx, make shallow cuts down the sides, and gently pull apart the sections to preserve the arils.
- Choosing Pomegranates: When selecting pomegranates, opt for ones with a darker color and firm texture, avoiding any with soft spots to ensure freshness and quality.
- Homemade Pomegranate Juice: For the freshest flavor, make your own pomegranate juice by blending the arils and straining through a fine mesh sieve. This homemade juice will enhance the taste of your sorbet.
- No Ice Cream Maker Method: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the sorbet base flat in a bag, break it into pieces once frozen, and blend until smooth for a churn-free sorbet.
Equipment
- Fine Mesh Sieve – Needed to strain the pomegranate puree to extract juice.
- Food Processor or Blender – Used to puree the pomegranate arils.
- Ice Cream Maker – Required for churning the sorbet to achieve a smooth texture. If you’re making the sorbet without an ice cream maker, a food processor or blender is also necessary for processing the frozen block.
- Candy or Cooking Thermometer – Useful for accurately measuring the temperature of the syrup to ensure it reaches 220°F.
