The Superfood for Glowing Skin & Healthy Heart

This time when you say there are certain life changes for the better, it will not just mean new year resolutions. The same goes for simple hacks of nourishment that pomegranate brings to you. Relishing this fruit in the winter sun is a must, especially when it has so many benefits to offer.

The name pomegranate is derived from a medieval Latin term, “pōmum (appl) and gr n tum (seeded).” Ratzz and I have our ways, just like she loves those juicy arils with vanilla ice cream, and I am a fan of the pomegranate and papaya combo. Even though this seedy apple is known for its deep red colored juice, did you know that the peel is also edible?

In the kitchen of CauldronSisterss, you will find pomegranate seeds for all sorts of garnishing, molasses of the same to use in sauces/dressings, and dried skin for tea. Yes, you may dehydrate the peel, grind it into powder and use it in your tea. What does it do, you may ask?

POMEGRANATE SEED & PEEL BENEFITS
The goodness of this juicy fruit is so easy to reap that Ritzzy almost kicked herself (a long time ago, I must add) when she first heard of it. Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and this property improves blood pressure, cholesterol, haemoglobin, diabetes, heart health, and skin conditions.

It is also said to have UV damage healing and cognitive-function-enhancing effects. Many substances in the pomegranate and its peel are known to show anti proliferative effects and hence are great as anti-cancerous agents.

To sum it up, a small seedy fruit that is delicious and provides a rather vast range of advantages. To add the same to your daily fare with no extra effort is no big deal. All you need for glowing skin and a healthy body is some pomegranate seed and peel!!!

When we think of using fresh fruits in meals for better nourishment, we always, and rather inevitably, think of the raw form. Have you ever wished to use the same boring elements in different ways?

Ratzz and I have seldom suffered from the inability to lure the children into eating healthy. Won’t it be a tad easier on the adults of the family if we can convince the kids to intake the required nutrition?

The best part about these modern times is the non-traditional mix-matches we all accept in our daily lives. Be it a blend of ethnic with contemporary outfits or the seemingly odd complementing tastes in the food. Of course, the sweet and sour taste of the pomegranate must not remain in the traditional mixfruit kind of dishes. To experiment with the flavour pallets may sometime misfire but never a failure, “What doesn’t kill us, makes us strong” isn’t it?

These humble recipes could help you put more goodness and love into the food you make. The following are the easiest to prepare and most exotic to offer.

Wait, there is another twist! Ritzzy and I have a special treat today, we want to cover a POMEGRANATE THEME dinner for you. There will be more than cheer when you wish to invite your friends and family over this new year. Let us give you an entire meal with several courses of pomegranate goodness.

POMEGRANATE DISHES!
Pomegranate Juice/Martini: Which party begins without a welcome drink, be it adults or kids; these drinks with bring out a juicy side of our guests. Just crush the pomegranate seeds and release the juice, strain it. Mix with some sparkling water, and add mint and a dash of lime juice. To serve top it off with crushed ice/pomegranate seeds for kids; and a little strong mix of vodka for adults.

Pomegranate Dip: Every evening begins with some light snacking and dipping. Some tarty pomegranate mix is needed for your regular dip. When you make the efficient salsa dip, add a hand full of pomegranate to the mix. Remember, lightly pulse the mixture of tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, black pepper, oregano, cumin, salt, lemon juice and pomegranate in the blender. You need your chunks visible, garnish with a few more pomegranate seeds; remember we are not trying to overpower the taste.

Pomegranate Salad: From adding some pomegranate arils to using pomegranate molasses in the salad dressing, the sky is the limit. You need only imagine your way around. Molasses is the thick extract of pomegranate when the seeds are crushed and boiled (after adding sugar and lime juice in it). This is a good way to coat your greens and fruits in the salad, (also a good pancake syrup). For the easiest salad, you need greens (spinach), cucumber, cheese (feta), tomato, onion, mustard sauce, lime juice, lemon zest (optional), sautéed cottage cheese (optional), olive oil and pomegranate. Mix it all, Ritzzy likes to make the dressing separately, so mix the wet ingredients on the side if you like. It is best to assemble the salad just before eating so the crunch is as real as it comes.

Pomegranate Stew: All you need are, walnuts, pomegranate molasses (yes a useful pomegranate ingredient for many recipes), mushrooms, onion, salt, black pepper, turmeric, concentrated tomato paste and pomegranate seeds. Finely ground walnut is added to sautéed onions, followed by pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, salt and pepper and cold water. Simmer for over an hour (until thick). Sautee the mushrooms with salt and pepper, add the thickened sauce and simmer for another half an hour and add sweetness as required. Garnish with pomegranate seeds to serve a sweet savoury Iranian dish.

Pomegranate Sorbet: Ratzz and I feel sweet dishes bring the entire meal together. A good homemade sorbet is a way to go, especially in winter. This easy healthy sweet is our forever favourite, just get yourself some pomegranate juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey/ sugar and mint leaves. Boil sugar in water until dissolved, let it cool a bit and add the rest of the ingredients. Freeze and bring it out to give a good mix every hour until firm. Give the mixture a good blend in the processor and cool for 4-6 hrs. Sorbet is ready to be scooped. Enjoy with some garnished mint leaves and pomegranate arils.

ABOUT CAULDRON SISTERS
Ratika & Richa Khetan, two Sisters, started Cauldron Sisters in 2015. It started as an exotic food gift hamper business, but their love for food encouraged them to start culinary workshops, food deliveries, and slowly and gradually it turned huge as restaurants and cafes started approaching them for consultancy.