Pomegranate molasses is the secret ingredient in this simple marinade. Its punchy, sweet, earthy notes add long-cooked depth of flavor to cheese and vegetable skewers in just 30 minutes of marination, with pleasantly bitter tahini rounding things out. The pomegranate-tahini marinade goes the extra mile as a final drizzle for the skewers; thinned with fresh orange juice, it supplies the perfect, sweet-savory finish to the dish. Be sure to soak wooden skewers in water before threading on the cheese and vegetables to prevent flare-ups while grilling or broiling.

Ingredients

• ½ cup tahini, well stirred
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 10 tablespoons fresh orange juice (from 2 oranges), as needed, divided
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium (8-ounce) bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 small (7-ounce) red onion, cut into 10 (1/2-inch-thick) wedges
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 pound halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• cooked white rice and chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Directions

1. Place 10 (8-inch) wooden skewers in a large bowl or sealed bag with water, and let soak 20 minutes; remove from water.
2. Whisk together tahini, oil, 5 tablespoons orange juice, pomegranate molasses, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until emulsified and smooth. Measure 1/2 cup sauce into a small bowl; cover and store in refrigerator until ready to use or up to 5 days. Thread bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and Halloumi evenly onto wooden skewers. Place skewers on a large baking sheet, and brush evenly with remaining sauce (about 1/2 cup) in medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F to 450°F). Place skewers on lightly oiled grates; grill, covered, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter with rice.
4. Stir up to remaining 5 tablespoons orange juice into reserved 1/2 cup sauce as needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over vegetable skewers and rice; sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.