FESENJAN
This rich, tangy Iranian chicken stew from Azita Houshiar is a highlight of the Persian holiday Shab-e Yalda, a winter-solstice tradition that predates Islam by thousands of years. The chicken is drenched in pomegranate molasses and cooked with a copious amount of ground walnuts, which results in a gravy that is sweet, tart and thick with flavor.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course
Time 2h
Yield 6 to 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté in olive oil until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Spread walnuts on a baking sheet, and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. Once cool to the touch, rub walnut pieces between your palms to shed excess skin. Pulse in a food processor until finely chopped but not pasty. Transfer to a Dutch oven, and add onion and 2 cups water. Place over medium-low heat and simmer, partly covered, stirring it occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add 2 cups pomegranate molasses, sautéed chicken, squash, cinnamon, saffron mixture and 1 cup chicken broth or water.
- Adjust flavor with sugar, salt and pomegranate molasses, so it is tangy but also a bit sweet. Simmer gently, covered, until the sauce is a dark walnut color with a layer of oil on the surface, 35 to 40 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add additional broth or water as needed. Adjust flavors again, and stir so the walnut oil is well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to another gentle boil with the lid ajar, then continue to simmer on low heat until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 20 minutes. Make a final taste test, and adjust flavors to your liking.
- To serve, stir so that the walnut oil is evenly absorbed. Serve hot with Persian steamed white rice.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1073, UnsaturatedFat 48 grams, Carbohydrate 79 grams, Fat 63 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 54 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 1031 milligrams, Sugar 69 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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Almaz Yesigat
[email protected]This fesenjan was delicious! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and creamy. I will definitely be making this again.
Shah8080
[email protected]This was my first time making fesenjan, and it turned out great! The instructions were easy to follow, and the dish was ready in no time. The flavors were amazing, and I will definitely be making this again.
Emma Church
[email protected]I made this fesenjan for a dinner party last night, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor combination, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this dish again.
Victor Odhiambo
[email protected]This fesenjan recipe is amazing! I've made it several times now, and it always turns out perfectly. The flavors are complex and delicious, and the chicken is always so tender. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves Persian food.