Narsharab


Narsharab – Azerbaijani seasoning prepared by thickening pomegranate juice, usually used in fish and meat dishes.

About

The word narsharab literally means “pomegranate wine”, however, there is no alcohol in the sauce. It contains 10% citric acid and 45% sugar. Dishes get light sour taste because of narsharab.

Preparation

The recipes of narsharab vary in different regions of Azerbaijan. Commonly, unpeeled pomegranates are squeezed and the is left on heat to evaporate its juice. It is cooked until the juice loses nearly half of its original volume. After the juice is thickened, sugar, coriander, basil, cinnamon, sometimes black or red pepper are added.