Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (2024)

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Fesenjan is a Persian chicken stew made with chicken breasts or thighs that are slowly cooked with ground toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses.

By

Elise Bauer

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated September 29, 2023

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (2)

37 ratings

Here is a stew made for fall! This chicken stew with walnut and pomegranate sauce recipe is a classic preparation in Persian cooking: Fesenjan.

Chicken pieces are first browned and then slowly cooked in a sauce with ground toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses. You might not normally think to make a sauce with walnuts and pomegranates, but it's a perfect combination!

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (3)

The toasted walnuts are rich and warm and the pomegranate molasses sharp and berry toned. Cooked slowly with the chicken, the sauce is spectacular. Bowl-licking good.

The only ingredient that might be a little hard to find at your local grocery store is the pomegranate molasses. You can make your own with pomegranate juice (see our recipe for pomegranate molasses), or look for it at Whole Foods or a store that carries Middle Eastern ingredients.

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (4)

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken)

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time2 hrs

Total Time2 hrs 10 mins

Servings6to 8 servings

Make your own pomegranate molasses by simmering 1 cup of pomegranate juiceuntil it reduces to 5 tablespoons of syrup.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 large yellow onions, chopped, (3 cups)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 5 tablespoonspomegranate molasses

  • 8 ounces walnut halves (about 2 cups)

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and/or breasts, trimmed of excess fat, cut into medium size pieces, patted dry and salted

  • 2 cups chicken stock

  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Salt

  • 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate arilsfor garnish, optional

Method

  1. Toast and grind the walnuts:

    You can toast the walnuts in one of two ways. You can either spread them out in a single layer in a large skillet, and toast them on medium high heat, stirring frequently until lightly toasted, OR you can spread them out in a single layer in a baking rimmed baking sheet, and toast at 350°F in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

    In either case, once toasted, remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool enough to handle, pulse in a food processor or blender until finely ground.

    Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (5)

  2. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides:

    In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

    When the butter has melted, pat the chicken pieces dry again and place the chicken pieces in the pan, working in batches if necessary to not crowd the pan, and cook until golden brown on all sides. Sprinkle the chicken with salt while they are cooking.

    Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (6)

  3. Sauté the onions:

    Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the pan, set aside. Add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Lower the heat to medium low. Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until translucent, stirring on occasion to release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

    Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (7)

  4. Add chicken and stock:

    Return the chicken pieces to the pan with the onions. Pour 2 cups of chicken stock over the chicken and onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

    Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (8)

  5. Add ground walnuts, pomegranate molasses, sugar, spices, cover and cook:

    Stir in the ground walnuts, pomegranate molasses, sugar, and spices. Cover and cook on very low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes or so to prevent the walnuts from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

    Remove from heat and adjust sugar/salt to taste. At this point the chicken should be fall apart tender.

    Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (9)

    Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (10)

  6. Serve:

    Garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serve over parsi pulao or other favorite rice.

Links:

Slow cooker pomegranate chicken salad from Lydia of The Perfect Pantry

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (11)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
568Calories
37g Fat
31g Carbs
34g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6to 8
Amount per serving
Calories568
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 37g47%
Saturated Fat 7g36%
Cholesterol 148mg49%
Sodium 375mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 34g
Vitamin C 10mg48%
Calcium 59mg5%
Iron 2mg14%
Potassium 737mg16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is fesenjan made of? ›

Fesenjan or fesenjoon is a traditional Persian stew made with chicken simmered in a pomegranate molasses and walnut sauce. The combination of earthy walnuts, slightly sour pomegranate molasses and tender, juicy chicken create an unparalleled balance of flavors in this special occasion dish.

Can you freeze fesenjan? ›

Let it cool completely and then store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat fesenjan, place it in in a small pot and turn the heat on to medium low.

Can I use pomegranate molasses instead of juice? ›

Would think so but you may need more liquid from something else (water/stock/wine etc.) Pomegranate molasses is quite bitter - you wouldn't get the necessary sweetness. Plus also it is a different consistency. I would try get hold of the pomegranate juice tbh.

What are the origins of fesenjan? ›

Fesenjān
A bowl of chicken fesenjān, with Persian rice topped by tahdig
TypeStew
Place of originIran
Region or stateNorthern Iran (Gilan)
Associated cuisineIran
5 more rows

What is the Persian name for pomegranate? ›

In Persian, pomegranate is known as anar. The fruit's juice and paste have a role in Iranian cuisine, e.g. chicken, ghormas, and refreshment bars.

What is the Arabic name for pomegranate molasses? ›

Pomegranate molasses, also known as Dibs Ar-rumman (Arabic: دِبْس الرُّمَّان, rakkaz rimonim Hebrew: רכז רימונים, robb-e anâr Persian: رب انار, melása rodioú Greek: μελάσα ροδιού, "pomegranate syrup"), nar ekshisi (Turkish: nar ekşisi, "pomegranate sour"), and narsharab (Azerbaijani: narşərab, "pomegranate wine") is a ...

What happens if you freeze a pomegranate? ›

You cannot freeze them whole; the large fruit pod will turn into a disgusting mush when you thaw it. You can, however, freeze the pips quite well, and they are the part you eat anyway.

How long does it take for pomegranate to freeze? ›

To freeze arils (seeds):

Spread the arils, single layer, on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Put them in the freezer for no more than 2 hours, then transfer to a moisture-proof freezer bag or container for storage. Return to the freezer and use within one year.

Does pomegranate molasses tenderize meat? ›

The pomegranate molasses is both sweet and sour, and the acid in it will tenderize the meat. When ready to cook, take the meat out of the fridge, and season it with salt and black pepper.

Should I refrigerate pomegranate molasses? ›

Opened bottles can be refrigerated for long periods, but it's not likely to sit around for long. You don't need to love Middle Eastern food to love what pomegranate molasses can do for the foods you already love.

Can you eat expired pomegranate molasses? ›

If stored in the refrigerator, pomegranate molasses will last indefinitely.

Why do Persians love pomegranate? ›

Ancient Iranians believed that the pomegranate was a sign of fertility due to its abundant seeds. It is a high pillar of festivities on Yalda Night. Narratives say the presence of pomegranates symbolizes blessings for a new life. The number of seeds scattered indicates how many children a young woman may give birth to!

Are pomegranates Iranian? ›

Mistaken origins. The Romans mistakenly assumed pomegranates derived from Africa. In fact, pomegranates are considered to have originated from Iran, south-west Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. The pomegranate fruit was also given a classical Latin name, Malum granatum, meaning "grainy apple".

What nut is native to Persia? ›

The pistachio (/pɪˈstɑːʃi. oʊ, -ˈstæʃ-/ pih-STAH-shee-oh, -⁠STASH-; Pistacia vera), a member of the cashew family, is a small tree originating in Persia. The tree produces seeds that are widely consumed as food.

What is pomegranate molasses made of? ›

Despite the name, pomegranate molasses does not contain any added sugar, and is made by naturally reducing pomegranate juice down to a thick syrup. That's it! No other ingredients!

What are pomegranates filled with? ›

Pomegranates are round, red fruits. They feature a white inner flesh that's packed with crunchy, juicy edible seeds called arils. They may be best known for the vibrantly colored juice they're often used in, but these unique fruits have a lot more to offer.

What is pomegranate made from? ›

True berries are fleshy fruits that come from a single flower with one ovary and typically have several seeds. Pomegranate fruit fall into this group. The dry outer covering (husk) of pomegranate fruit is made up of two layers: An outer, hard layer called a epicarp.

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