Cherry, Pomegranate Molasses and Pistachio Relish

, from Issue #33. September, 2015
Photography by Manja Wachsmuth.
Cherry, Pomegranate Molasses and Pistachio Relish

Serve this relish with ham, turkey, duck, chicken and pork or with a rustic terrine and crusty French bread. The relish is a little tart so if you’d prefer it sweeter, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey at the end of cooking. You can also substitute orange or cranberry juice for the red wine, and balsamic vinegar can be used in place of the pomegranate molasses.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary or thyme
1 clove garlic, crushed
zest of ½ an orange
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
1/3 cup red wine
pinch of chilli flakes
350 grams cherries, halved and pitted
¼ cup pistachios
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan with the onion, rosemary, garlic and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook until the onion is soft. Add the orange zest, pomegranate molasses, red wine, chilli flakes and the cherries. Bring to the boil then simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced. Season and cool. Add the pistachios and parsley just before serving. Makes about 1¼ cups

Pantry note
Pomegranate molasses: a thick syrup produced by cooking down pomegranate juice. It is a slightly astringent, sweet-sour condiment used widely throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Available at specialty food shops.