Khoresh-e Fesenjan (Persian Chicken Stew)

Khoresh-e Fesenjan (Persian Chicken Stew)

Khoresh-e Fesenjan (Persian Chicken Stew)

Khoresh-e Fesenjan is a popular Persian chicken stew. The chicken is seared then simmered in chicken stock. Then, ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses is added to the stewed chicken, continuing to simmer for 45 minutes. The stewed chicken is then garnished with pomegranate seeds. The results generate a savory and slightly sour taste. This dish is always served with rice; as is all Persian cuisine. If there are any leftovers, it will taste even better the next day.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Iranian
Keyword: Chicken, Iranian, main course
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 8-12 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 4 cups walnuts
  • 1 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp green cardamom pods

Garnish

  • pomegranite seeds

Instructions

  • Season the drumsticks with turmeric, salt, and pepper.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Heat up cooking oil in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides. Remove from the pot.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Add in the onions. Sauté for 5 minutes.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Add the drumsticks back in along with 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • While the chicken is simmering, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the walnuts to a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Grind the walnuts in a food processor to a powder.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Once the first 30 minutes is up, stir in the ground walnuts, pomegr molasses, sugar, and cardamom pods.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Simmer covered for 45 minutes.
    Iranian, main course, chicken
  • Serve with steamed rice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
    Iranian, main course, chicken