Fesenjan
Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew
A rich and deeply flavorful Persian stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a luxurious sauce made from ground walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and sour notes, making it a celebrated centerpiece for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces
- 300 g Walnuts
- 120 ml Pomegranate molasses
- 2 medium Onions
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 500-750 ml Water or chicken broth
- for garnish Pomegranate seeds
- 2 tbsp Oil or butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the walnuts: Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool slightly, then grind them into a fine paste using a food processor. You may need to scrape down the sides multiple times. The goal is a smooth, almost butter-like consistency.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Sauté the aromatics and chicken: Heat the oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the finely chopped or grated onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the turmeric (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Combine and simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pot with the onions. Add the ground walnut paste, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir well to combine everything. Pour in 500 ml (2 cups) of water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened and darkened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 4
Incorporate pomegranate molasses and adjust flavor: Stir in the pomegranate molasses. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld. The sauce should be glossy and rich. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning. Add more sugar if it's too tart, or a splash more pomegranate molasses if it's too sweet. Add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Serve: Ladle the Fesenjan into serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh pomegranate seeds. Serve hot, traditionally with fluffy Persian rice (chelow or polo).
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The balance of sweet (from sugar) and sour (from pomegranate molasses) is crucial. Taste and adjust throughout the cooking process.
- ✓Long, slow simmering is key to developing the deep, complex flavors and tenderizing the chicken.
- ✓For a richer flavor and texture, consider using duck meat instead of chicken, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- ✓Ensure your walnuts are fresh; stale walnuts can impart a bitter taste.
- ✓The consistency of the sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the back of a spoon.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Fesenjan can be made with meatballs (koofteh) instead of chicken pieces. Form small meatballs and brown them before adding to the sauce.
- For an extra tart version, increase the amount of pomegranate molasses and potentially reduce the sugar.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Fesenjan can be made using firm tofu, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant instead of chicken.