Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Food & Wine Recipe

Hazelnut Sauce

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: MAKES ABOUT 1 3/4 CUPS
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

Pomegranate molasses adds a tart, exotic flavor to this rich, nutty sauce. You can substitute three tablespoons of unsweetened cranberry juice for the diluted molasses if you like.

  1. 1 1/2 cups hazelnuts (about 7 ounces)
  2. 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  3. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  4. 1 teaspoon minced lemon zest
  5. 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  6. 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses diluted with 2 tablespoons warm water (see Note)
  7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  8. Pinch of cayenne pepper
  9. Pinch of saffron threads
  10. Salt
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Toast the hazelnuts in a pan for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant and the skins blister. Transfer to a kitchen towel and rub them together to remove the skins. Let the nuts cool.
  2. In a blender, combine the hazelnuts, garlic, ginger, lemon zest, and coriander seeds and coarsely chop. In a bowl, combine the diluted pomegranate molasses with the oil, cayenne, saffron and 3/4 cup of warm water. With the machine on, gradually add the liquid and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Season with salt and serve slightly chilled.
Make Ahead The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Notes Pomegranate molasses is available at Middle Eastern markets.