Gifted pomegranate powder and Ajwain seed, curious how I use them!
Exactly what it says on the tin! I've never used either of these ingredients before, so I'm not sure how to use them. I'm considering adding the pomegranate powder (also listed on the packet as anardana powder) to smoothies and jams. The ajwain seed though I'm a bit lost. Do I need to grind it before use, or can it be used in seed form?
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Just a heads up, the anardana powder is from a wild type of pomegranate. It's used mostly as a souring agent. (like lemon juice or vinegar) It may be a bit more sour than you're expecting. Happy baking though!
Oh. Thank you for the warning! I would have just dumped it in a smoothie! Now I will put a bit in a smoothie after adding a banana first
Both of those are spices commonly used in Indian cooking.
Some recipe ideas:
https://thespiceadventuress.com/2013/11/04/pindi-chole/ (has the pomegranate powder)
https://holycowvegan.net/punjabi-samosa-recipe/ (has the ajwain seeds)
https://kitchenkemistry.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/pindi-chole-chana-its-vegan/ (has both spices)
https://indiaphile.info/paneer-and-caramelized-onion-rustic-pie/ (has the ajwain seeds, but called carom seeds in the recipe)
For the pomegranate powder, maybe try using it where you might otherwise use lemon juice, lemon zest or even sumac in a recipe.
Oh, cool, thank you! This is a huge help!
I would bake something with the pomegranate powder. Like a white cake recipe and flavor the batter with the powder. I do this with strawberry powder. So yummy.
Now there's an idea! I also wonder if it would color/flavor frosting
For inspiration, try looking at recipes which include pomegranate molasses, as it serves a similar purpose (this is one I make frequently). You'll probably want to lean more toward savoury dishes rather than cakes/baking -- I wouldn't recommend substituting the powder for freeze-dried fruits; as u/An_Acetic_Alpaca notes, it's not going to be a good replacement for something sweet like strawberries.