Description
A delicious Persian-style pomegranate chicken stew known as Fesenjan, featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of pomegranate juice and walnuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup walnuts, finely ground
- 2 cups homemade or store-bought chicken stock
- 1 cup pure pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Season the chicken thighs with sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric, then add them to the pot, browning for about 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate the finely ground walnuts into the pot, stirring for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock and pomegranate juice, followed by the brown sugar and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and lower the heat.
- Let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- If desired, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Notes
- This dish serves 6 people.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- For a thicker sauce, cook longer and stir more frequently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg