Budget Fesenjan Stew Chicken (Print)

A tangy-sweet Persian stew with chicken thighs simmered alongside walnuts and pomegranate molasses for deep flavor.

# Components:

→ Poultry

01 - 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 28 oz)

→ Nuts

02 - 1 1/2 cups walnut halves or pieces (about 5.3 oz)

→ Produce

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 3 cups water or unsalted chicken broth

→ Condiments

06 - 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses

→ Pantry

07 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Spices

08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

→ Sweetener

12 - 1–2 tablespoons sugar, optional and to taste

# Directions:

01 - Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then pulse in a food processor until coarse sand consistency is achieved.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 - Incorporate ground turmeric and cinnamon into the pot, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add chicken thighs to the pot, season with salt and black pepper, and brown lightly on both sides for 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle the ground walnuts over the chicken, pour in the water or broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Stir in pomegranate molasses and optional sugar. Simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and chicken is tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Serve hot with steamed basmati rice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cost-effective cut of chicken gives authentic Persian flavor
  • Rich, sweet-tart sauce with crunchy walnuts
02 -
  • Contains tree nuts: walnuts are essential to fesenjan
  • Pomegranate molasses brings deep tartness; balance with sugar to taste
03 -
  • Add a pinch of ground cardamom for extra aroma
  • Use boneless thighs for faster cooking if needed
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