Appetizer · Middle Eastern ·

Spiced Lebanese Makanek Sausages with Pomegranate Molasses

Name: Spiced Lebanese Makanek Sausages with Pomegranate Molasses
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 500g ground beef or lamb; 1 tablespoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup pomegranate juice; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

These delicious sausages are infused with traditional Lebanese spices and a hint of sweetness from pomegranate molasses. Perfect for an exotic appetizer or a flavorful addition to any main course.

4.6(57 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 21, 2025

Spiced Lebanese Makanek Sausages with Pomegranate Molasses — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Sausages

For the Pomegranate Molasses

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 437 kcal
Protein: 20.93 g
Carbs: 18.98 g
Fat: 31.38 g
Fiber: 0.85 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1747 kcal
Protein: 83.7 g
Carbs: 75.9 g
Fat: 125.5 g
Fiber: 3.4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g ground beef or lamb	1435	82	0	124	0
1 tablespoon ground allspice	16	0.1	4	0.4	1
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon	6	0.1	2	0	1
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg	12	0.1	1	1	0.5
2 cloves garlic, minced	8	0.4	2	0	0.1
1 small onion, finely chopped	28	0.8	6.5	0.1	1.2
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped	2	0.2	0.4	0	0.3
Salt and black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup pomegranate juice	140	0	34	0	0.2
2 tablespoons sugar	96	0	25	0	0
1 tablespoon lemon juice	4	0	1	0	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Sausages

1
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2
Mix Thoroughly
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for enhanced flavor).
Tip: For a more intense flavor, allow the sausages to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Pomegranate Molasses

1
Combine Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice.
2
Reduce to Syrup
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 20 to 25 minutes).
Tip: Ensure the molasses does not burn by stirring frequently and monitoring the heat.
3
Cool
Allow to cool and set aside.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

How to Make Spiced Lebanese Makanek Sausages with Pomegranate Molasses

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Sautéing
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausages until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
2
Glazing
In the final few minutes of cooking, brush the sausages with the prepared pomegranate molasses, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
3
Resting
Remove from heat and let the sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving.