Souk Market

At the Souk – pomegranate molasses

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I have previously written about the Souk Market in Charlottenberg in Sweden – a tiny town with a whole lot of very large supermarkets, mostly catering to Norwegians who cross the border to buy stuff in bulk. I had not been there in a while, but I planned to make a recipe that required pomegranate molasses (Persian pomegranate and lamb meatball soup).

Considering that I can’t find normal molasses most of the time, the idea that pomegranate molasses could be had (with multiple brand and container-sizer options) in the smallest of towns in rural Sweden seemed laughable. But having been to – and been overwhelmed by – the Souk Market before, I knew it represented my best chance. Imagine my delight when I found an entire section of the store filled with different kinds of molasses, including pomegranate as well as carob and grape, among others. Amazing.

pomegranate molasses from the Souk Market

pomegranate molasses from the Souk Market

Check out John Oliver‘s new gig on HBO – in the inaugural episode, he goes on a pomegranate-related tirade.

Souk Market Amazing

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I finally visited the new Souk Market in Charlottenberg (Norway/Sweden border shopping overload). It was amazing. I was alone in the store, so I could explore the aisles of previously unseen, exotic products from all over eastern Europe and the Middle East/northern Africa – loved it. It was also cheaper in many cases than all the other stores. Fabulous!

It kind of made me sad – thought a lot about Anna, my former colleague who passed away at the beginning of the year, because the store had SO MUCH Polish merchandise. I also found giant tins of poppy seed filling paste, Cheetos (!?), lots of different Lebanese and Turkish stuff – including some cardamom coffee. I did not stay long enough to explore everything, but it was a much-needed taste of diversity. Another good point – there is a suggestion box in the front just as you leave that had a note in Swedish and English asking patrons to write down any products they wanted and did not find because the store will aim to get them.

Downside, rain and +3C turned suddenly to -2C, crazy wind and snow – first real snow… did not make the drive home that lovely, but I am in control. Home safely, surrounded by candles.