A bowl of rich, dark Persian Fesenjan stew with chicken, garnished with pomegranate seeds.

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew)

Fesenjan is a classic and beloved Persian stew, known for its unique sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile. The stew is made with a luxurious base of ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, which creates a thick, rich, and dark sauce. Traditionally, it is made with chicken or duck, which simmers in the sauce until incredibly tender. It's a dish often reserved for special occasions and is a true celebration of Persian flavors.

A Slice of History

Fesenjan has ancient roots in Persian cuisine, dating back to the Sassanian Empire. Evidence of a dish combining walnuts and poultry was found in ancient texts. It is a celebratory dish, often served at weddings and during the winter solstice celebration of Yalda Night. The balance of sweet and sour from the pomegranate molasses and the richness from the walnuts is a hallmark of classic Persian cooking.

Curated by the RecipeNest Team

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 50 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

Skills

Slow-cooking

Kitchen

Average

Ingredients & Nutrition

New Feature: We're excited to introduce our nutrition calculator! Please treat these values as an estimate, as they are auto-calculated. For specific dietary needs, consulting a professional is always recommended.

Instructions

0 of 6 steps completed

Instruction visual for Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew)
Instruction visual for Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew)

Reviews & Photos

Login to leave a review and share your experience!

You Might Also Like