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Anardana (dried pomegranate seeds)

Spices & seasonings · Whole spices

Anardana (dried pomegranate seeds)

Dried sour pomegranate seeds, used whole or ground to add tangy depth to chole, chutneys and breads.

Also called: anardana powder, pomegranate seed powder

A kind of spices

3 recipes with it

Read the full spice guide: flavour, history and how to use it

Photo: Miansari66, via Wikimedia Commons (public-domain)

What it is

Anardana is the dried seeds (arils) of sour wild pomegranates, sticky and dark red-brown when whole, or ground to a coarse powder. It adds a fruity, sweet-sour tang, especially to Punjabi chole and chutneys, and is distinct from fresh pomegranate seeds and pomegranate molasses.

Punica granatum

How it’s used

  • Chole masala and Punjabi chickpea curry
  • Chutneys
  • Stuffed parathas and pakoras
  • Toasted and ground for marinades

Characteristics

Taste
Sweet-sour, fruity.
When cooked
Dry-roast lightly before grinding to make it crisp and easier to powder.
Sold as
whole, ground
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Airtight jar away from humidity; it clumps when damp.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

Related ingredients

Recipes with anardana (dried pomegranate seeds)

More whole spices