Podcast

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe

by The Diet.
March 21, 2023
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This chicken stew with walnut and pomegranate sauce recipe is a classic preparation in Persian cooking: Fesenjan.

Chicken pieces are first browned and then slowly cooked in a sauce with ground toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses. You might not normally think to make a sauce with walnuts and pomegranates, but it’s a perfect combination!

The toasted walnuts are rich and warm and the pomegranate molasses sharp and berry toned. Cooked slowly with the chicken, the sauce is spectacular. Bowl-licking good.

1) TOAST AND GRIND WALNUTS

You can toast the walnuts in one of two ways.

  • You can either spread them out in a single layer in a large skillet, and toast them on medium high heat, stirring frequently until lightly toasted,
  • OR you can spread them out in a single layer in a baking rimmed baking sheet, and toast at 350°F in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

In either case, once toasted, remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool enough to handle, pulse in a food processor or blender until finely ground.

2) BROWN THE CHICKEN PIECES ON ALL SIDES

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

When the butter has melted, pat the chicken pieces dry again and place the chicken pieces in the pan, working in batches if necessary to not crowd the pan, and cook until golden brown on all sides. Sprinkle the chicken with salt while they are cooking.

3) SAUTÉ THE ONIONS

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the pan, set aside. Add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Lower the heat tomedium low. Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until translucent, stirring on occasion to release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4) ADD CHICKEN AND STOCK

Return the chicken pieces to the pan with the onions. Pour 2 cups of chicken stock over the chicken and onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

5) ADD GROUND WALNUTS, POMEGRANATE MOLASSES, SUGAR, SPICES, COVER AND COOK

Stir in the:

  • ground walnuts,
  • pomegranate molasses,
  • sugar,
  • and spices.

Cover and cook on very low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes or so to prevent the walnuts from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Remove from heat and adjust sugar/salt to taste. At this point the chicken should be fall apart tender.

6) SERVE

Garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serve over parsi pulao or other favorite rice.