11 Pomegranate-Packed New Year Dishes for Luck
In many cultures, the brilliant red color and abundant seeds of the pomegranate make it a potent symbol of prosperity, fertility, and good luck for the year ahead. Incorporating this vibrant fruit into your New Year's Day menu is a delicious way to embrace this tradition.
From sweet appetizers to savory main courses, these 11 recipes are packed with those lucky ruby red jewels, promising a merry and prosperous start to your year.
1. Pomegranate and Feta Pinwheels
These light, savory, and sweet appetizers are a perfect starter, representing the burst of new opportunities.
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Unroll the puff pastry sheet.
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta. Spread the mixture evenly over the pastry.
Sprinkle the pomegranate arils over the cheese mixture. Drizzle with honey.
Roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Pomegranate Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Serving pork is a New Year's tradition for forward progress (pigs root forward). This glaze adds the luck of the pomegranate to a traditional main course.
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned.
Brush the pork generously with the glaze and transfer the skillet to the oven.
Roast for 15-20 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest before slicing and serving with a final drizzle of glaze and fresh pomegranate arils.
3. Pomegranate and Walnut Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
A fresh, vibrant salad symbolizing a fresh start, with walnuts representing intelligence and health.
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, olive oil, and honey to create the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, and goat cheese crumbles.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
4. Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Chicken Thighs
Pomegranate molasses brings a rich, tangy depth to a flavorful, lucky main dish.
Directions
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
Pour the molasses mixture over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken completely.
5. Pomegranate Couscous with Mint
A light and fluffy side dish, where the tiny grains of couscous and abundant pomegranate seeds multiply the luck.
Directions
Bring the broth and butter to a boil in a saucepan.
Stir in the dry couscous, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff the couscous with a fork.
Gently fold in the pomegranate arils, chopped mint, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pomegranate-Infused Rice Pilaf
Rice symbolizes wealth and fortune, and when combined with pomegranate, this pilaf is a double-dose of prosperity.
Directions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the rice and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios just before serving.
7. Baked Brie with Pomegranate and Pecans
A luxurious appetizer where the melting brie symbolizes generosity for the year ahead.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey inside.
Carefully transfer the brie to a serving platter. Top immediately with the pomegranate arils, chopped pecans, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of honey. Serve with crackers or bread.
8. Pomegranate and Chili-Lime Shrimp Skewers
A spicy and bright appetizer for a vibrant, energetic start to the year.
Directions
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together the pomegranate juice, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and olive oil.
Toss the shrimp with half of the marinade. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
Grill or pan-fry the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Brush the cooked shrimp with the remaining marinade and sprinkle with pomegranate arils before serving.
9. Pomegranate and Blood Orange Sorbet
A light, cleansing dessert that brings vibrant color and flavor to end the meal.
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved (simple syrup). Remove from heat and let cool.
In a bowl, combine the pomegranate juice, blood orange juice, and the simple syrup.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions.
Alternatively, pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container, freeze for 1 hour, then whisk well. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until frozen and scoopable.
10. Pomegranate Mimosas
A festive and lucky way to toast the New Year, replacing traditional orange juice with pomegranate.
Directions
Pour the chilled pomegranate juice into a champagne flute.
Slowly top with the chilled champagne or prosecco.
Garnish with a few pomegranate arils.
11. Pomegranate and Clove Braised Short Ribs
Beef short ribs, symbolizing strength, are slowly braised in a rich pomegranate and spice mixture for maximum flavor and luck.
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until well browned. Remove and set aside.
Add the chopped onion to the Dutch oven and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cloves and cook for 1 minute.
Return the ribs to the pot. Pour in the pomegranate juice and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender.
Serve the short ribs with the pan sauce and fresh pomegranate arils.
We wish you a year filled with the abundance and prosperity symbolized by the magnificent pomegranate!