Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Deeply rich, tangy, and lusciously creamy, Fesenjan (خورشت فسنجان) is a traditional Persian stew made with pomegranate molasses, ground walnuts, and tender chicken or duck. This dish dates back centuries, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. With its velvety texture and aromatic depth, Fesenjan is a must-try for lovers of bold, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine!
Ingredients For Fesenjan – Persian Pomegranate & Walnut Stew
🔥 For the Stew:
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 olive oil 🫒
☑ 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
☑ 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
☑ 1 pound (450g) chicken thighs or duck breast 🍗
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 salt 🧂
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 black pepper ✨
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 turmeric 🌿
🔥 For the Sauce:
☑ 2 cups walnuts, finely ground 🌰
☑ 1 ½ cups pomegranate molasses 🍷
☑ 2 cups chicken broth or water 💧
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 honey (optional, for extra sweetness) 🍯
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 cinnamon 🍂
🔥 For Garnish:
☑ Fresh pomegranate seeds & chopped parsley 🍃
☑ Cooked saffron rice for serving 🍚
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Fesenjan – Persian Pomegranate & Walnut Stew
🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and golden.
3️⃣ Season chicken with salt, pepper, and turmeric, then sear until lightly browned.
🔥 Step 2: Prepare the Walnut-Pomegranate Sauce
1️⃣ In a separate pan, toast ground walnuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
2️⃣ Stir in pomegranate molasses, chicken broth, honey, and cinnamon.
3️⃣ Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🔥 Step 3: Simmer the Stew
1️⃣ Pour the sauce over the seared chicken.
2️⃣ Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and turns deep brown.
🔥 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣ Spoon the Fesenjan over fluffy saffron rice.
2️⃣ Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley.
3️⃣ Enjoy the deep, nutty, and tangy flavors of this Persian delicacy!
🍷 Rich, velvety, and bursting with sweet-tart flavors, Fesenjan is the heart of Persian comfort food! Whether served at a festive gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish is a true celebration of ancient flavors.
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Paiche a la Brasa – A Taste of Amazonian Heritage You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
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