Photo of Fesenjan (Persian Walnut and Pomegranate Stew)

Fesenjan (Persian Walnut and Pomegranate Stew)

A classic and iconic Persian stew made with chicken, ground walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, creating a unique sweet and sour flavor.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 45 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

Skills Required

None

Ingredients & Nutrition

550 kcal

Calories

40g

Protein

35g

Fat

20g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

12g

Sugar

400mg

Sodium

  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs or Breasts
  • 2 cups, finely ground Walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Pomegranate Molasses
  • 1 large, grated Onion
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • pinch Cinnamon
  • 1-2 tbsp (optional, to taste) Sugar
  • 3 cups Water or Chicken Broth

Let AI Suggest Variations

  • Use duck or meatballs instead of chicken pieces.
  • Make a vegetarian version with roasted butternut squash or eggplant.
  • Adjust the amount of pomegranate molasses and sugar to achieve your desired level of sweet and sour.
  • Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Instructions:

1. In a dry pot, toast the ground walnuts over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned.

2. Add the grated onion and cook until softened. Stir in the turmeric.

3. Add the water or broth and pomegranate molasses. Bring to a simmer.

4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pot.

5. Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 1-1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened and darkened. The oil from the walnuts should rise to the top.

6. Taste and add sugar if needed to balance the tartness of the pomegranate molasses.

7. Serve hot with Persian-style steamed rice.