Fesenjan-e-Baghdadi
A rich and savory stew featuring chicken or duck cooked in a thick, tangy sauce made from ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses. This Baghdadi version often incorporates subtle spices and a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs or duck(cut into serving pieces)
- 2 cups Walnuts(finely ground)
- 1/2 cup Pomegranate molasses(adjust to taste for desired tanginess)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom(ground)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee
- 2-3 cups Water or Chicken broth(as needed for consistency)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
- 2
Add the chicken or duck pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. Sprinkle with turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
- 3
Add the finely ground walnuts to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the walnuts to toast slightly and release their oils.
- 4
Pour in the pomegranate molasses and stir to combine with the walnut and chicken mixture. Gradually add 2 cups of water or broth, stirring continuously.
- 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened and darkened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more water or broth, a little at a time. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more pomegranate molasses if needed for a sweeter or tangier profile.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a complex flavor profile – rich, nutty, tangy, and slightly sweet. - 7
Serve hot, typically with fluffy white rice (chelow or polo).
💡 Tip: Garnish with a few toasted walnut halves or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of pomegranate molasses significantly impacts the flavor; look for a good quality, thick variety.
- ✓Grinding the walnuts very finely is key to achieving a smooth sauce.
- ✓Patience is crucial for this stew; slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- ✓This dish often tastes even better the next day.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of sugar or honey if the pomegranate molasses is too tart.
- For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or large mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Some recipes include a small amount of saffron for added aroma and color.