Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew with Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of Khoresh-E Fesenjan, a traditional Persian stew that harmoniously melds the tartness of pomegranate with the earthiness of walnuts. This delectable dish features tender cubes of chicken breast simmered until perfectly cooked, accompanied by sweet carrots or butternut squash, and laced with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this stew is best served over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing you to soak up the deliciously tart and nutty sauce. Enjoy a taste of Persian culinary heritage in every bite!
6
Servings
250
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 3/4 lbs (cut into 1 inch cubes)
white onions
2 (thinly sliced)
carrots or butternut squash
2 large or 1 lb (peeled and cut into thin strips)
walnuts
1/2 lb (toasted and finely ground in a food processor)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pomegranate paste
1/2 cup (diluted in 2 1/2 cups water or use 4 cups fresh pomegranate juice)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the diced chicken breasts and thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the onions are translucent.
3
Stir in your choice of carrots or butternut squash, along with the finely ground walnuts, salt, pomegranate paste mixed with water or fresh pomegranate juice, cinnamon, and cardamom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the stew simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
5
After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning as desired. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, stir in the sugar and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes uncovered, allowing the flavors to deepen.
6
Serve the Khoresh-E Fesenjan hot over a generous portion of fluffy rice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch if desired.
Nutrition Information
13
Fat
25
Carbs
14
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Khoresh-E Fesenjan?
Khoresh-E Fesenjan is a traditional Persian stew that combines the tartness of pomegranate with the earthiness of walnuts and tender chicken.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients in this Persian stew?
The main ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, toasted and ground walnuts, white onions, carrots or butternut squash, and pomegranate paste.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 14 grams of protein per serving.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The 1 3/4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
How do I prepare the walnuts for the sauce?
The walnuts should be toasted and then finely ground in a food processor.
Can I use butternut squash instead of carrots?
Yes, you can use either 2 large carrots or 1 lb of butternut squash, peeled and cut into thin strips.
What is the recommended cooking time for the chicken and onions?
The chicken and onions should be cooked in a skillet for about 20 minutes until the chicken is golden and onions are translucent.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Can I use fresh pomegranate juice instead of paste?
Yes, you can use 4 cups of fresh pomegranate juice instead of 1/2 cup of paste diluted in water.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The stew is seasoned with cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
Is sugar a required ingredient?
Sugar is optional and can be added (2 tablespoons) if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
What is the best way to serve Khoresh-E Fesenjan?
It is best served hot over a generous portion of fluffy rice.
How much pomegranate paste is required?
You need 1/2 cup of pomegranate paste diluted in 2 1/2 cups of water.
What type of onions should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 white onions, thinly sliced.
Do I need to cover the skillet while simmering?
Yes, cover the skillet during the initial 1 1/2 hours of simmering.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I add a garnish to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
How much walnut is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of walnuts.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe has 10 ingredients.
How long do I simmer the stew if I add sugar?
If sugar is added, simmer for an additional 30 minutes uncovered.
What is the texture of the vegetables in the stew?
The carrots or butternut squash should be peeled and cut into thin strips to meld into the sauce.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a traditional Persian recipe.
What is the preparation style for the onions?
The onions should be thinly sliced.
How much salt is included?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this dish suitable for festive gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for festive gatherings and a taste of Persian culinary heritage.