Grilled Figs With Pomegranate Molasses Recipes

GRILLED POMEGRANATE-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, paprika, allspice, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and cayenne. Place chicken in a large bowl and toss with spice mixture, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, thyme, and 6 of the chopped garlic cloves. Let rest for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature or as long as overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before grilling.
• Prepare the grill for indirect heat. For a gas grill, set one side to high. For a charcoal grill, mound coals on one side, leaving the other side empty. Brush off garlic and herbs and put chicken pieces on the unlighted or empty portion of the grill. Close cover and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes a side. Transfer to a plate and brush generously with 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses.
• Mash remaining garlic with a pinch of salt until it forms a paste. Toss the tomatoes with garlic paste, remaining 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses and basil leaves. Season with additional salt, to taste. Serve alongside chicken.

HOMEMADE POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Steps:

• Wash the pomegranates. Roll them around until they soften, then break up the pomegranates under water to keep juice from spurting. Give a good bang with the back of the knife to loosen the seeds of each section.
• To squeeze out the juice: Wrap a handful of seeds in cheesecloth, then use your hands to squeeze into a bowl to obtain the rich, shiny liquid. Repeat wit the remaining seeds. (Do not use a juicer. Pomegranate juice stains are difficult to remove, and the bitter, tannic white part of the fruit gets mixed in and mars the flavor).
• Place pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice in an enameled saucepan and slowly reduce by boiling to 2 cups. Cool, bottle, and keep refrigerated.

GRILLED FIGS WITH POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Steps:

• Prepare a hot or medium-hot grill or heat a grill pan to medium-hot. Cut figs in half.
• In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add figs to the bowl and gently toss until they are thoroughly coated.
• Place on grill or grill pan flat side down. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes (depending on the heat), until grill marks appear. Turn over using tongs or a spatula and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side.
• Remove to a platter or sheet pan and brush each fig on the cut side with pomegranate molasses (you don't need much).
• Arrange 2 slices of goat cheese and 2 to 3 whole figs (4 to 6 halves, to taste) on each of 6 serving plates, garnish with mint leaves, and serve.

GRILLED CHICKEN LEGS WITH POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Steps:

• Preheat grill.
• In a shallow dish, mix chicken with l/2 cup virgin olive oil, honey, vinegar and paprika, and allow to marinate overnight in refrigerator or 3 hours at room temperature.
• Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and place on grill.
• Grill 12-13 minutes per side, or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork or knife.
• Remove cooked chicken from grill and drizzle with pomegranate molasses.
• Serve immediately.