Saffron-Infused Persian Peach & Nectarine Stew
This Saffron-Infused Persian Peach & Nectarine Stew is a delightful culinary journey that beautifully marries sweet and savory flavors. With tender chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, aromatic sauce, this dish showcases the vibrant essence of Persian cuisine. The contrast of succulent peaches or nectarines combined with aromatic spices such as cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon creates a unique profile that tantalizes the taste buds. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is best served over fluffy basmati rice, allowing the delicious juices to be absorbed, making each bite a glorious experience. Perfect for those looking to explore the realms of Persian cooking, or simply for a comforting meal that impresses.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken legs
1 1/2 lbs (Trimmed of fat and skin, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Large onion
1 (Thinly sliced into rings)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions)
Turmeric
1/8 teaspoon (Add directly to the stew)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (Add directly to the stew)
Rose water
2 - 3 teaspoons (Add directly to the stew)
Ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the stew)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (Add directly to the stew)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the stew)
Lime juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed, to be mixed into the stew)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (To be mixed into the stew)
Firm peaches or nectarines
3 (Washed, pitted, and cut into small wedges)
Saffron
1/4 teaspoon (Dissolved in hot water, optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the fat and skin from the chicken legs and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. In a nonstick pan, lightly brown the chicken pieces over medium heat. Once browned, remove excess fat and add olive oil.
2
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and sauté until translucent. Introduce the rosewater, ground cardamom, ground cumin, cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and allow the spices to release their aromas.
3
Pour in 1 cup of water, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
While the chicken is simmering, prepare the sauce by mixing the lime juice, brown sugar, and saffron (if using) in a bowl. After 30 minutes of simmering, carefully stir this mixture into the chicken and cover to continue simmering for an additional 30-45 minutes.
5
While the stew is finishing, wash the peaches or nectarines, remove the pits, and cut them into small wedges. After the stewing time, gently fold the fruit into the chicken stew, cover the pan again, and let simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the fruit is tender.
6
Finally, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. The dish is ready to be served hot over steamed long-grain or basmati rice, allowing the inviting juices to soak into the rice.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
8.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron-Infused Persian Peach & Nectarine Stew?
It is a traditional Persian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with the sweet and savory flavors of peaches or nectarines in an aromatic saffron and spice-infused sauce.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 lbs of chicken legs, which should be trimmed of fat and skin and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Yes, you can use either firm peaches or nectarines, as both work beautifully in this stew.
What spices are needed for the aromatic sauce?
The dish features a blend of turmeric, paprika, ground cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and saffron.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot over fluffy steamed long-grain or basmati rice to allow the juices to be absorbed.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this stew contains approximately 300 calories.
Is rose water essential to the recipe?
Rose water is a key aromatic ingredient in Persian cuisine; this recipe uses 2 to 3 teaspoons to enhance the floral profile.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides approximately 27.5g of protein per serving.
How long does the chicken need to simmer initially?
After adding the initial spices and water, the chicken should simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
When should the peaches or nectarines be added?
The fruit should be folded into the stew after the chicken has simmered for a total of 60 to 75 minutes, then simmered for another 20-30 minutes.
Is the saffron mandatory?
The 1/4 teaspoon of saffron is optional, but it is highly recommended for the authentic flavor and color; it should be dissolved in hot water before use.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use one large onion and thinly slice it into rings before sautéing.
What is the fat content per serving?
The stew contains approximately 11.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 25g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What type of sugar is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of brown sugar to provide sweetness and depth to the sauce.
What kind of citrus is used for the tartness?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice to be mixed into the stew.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
There are 2g of fiber per serving in this peach and nectarine stew.
What is the sugar content per serving?
The dish contains 8.75g of sugar per serving.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions.
How do I prepare the chicken legs?
Trim the fat and skin from the legs, then chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe, including spices and the optional saffron.
Should I cover the pan during cooking?
Yes, you should cover the pan during the various simmering stages to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.
What fruit texture is best for this stew?
It is best to use firm peaches or nectarines so they hold their shape during the 20-30 minute simmer.
How much turmeric is needed?
The recipe requires 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric added directly to the stew.
Is paprika included in this Persian dish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika is included to add a subtle layer of flavor.
How much cinnamon should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the total approximate simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 80 to 105 minutes across three stages.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family gatherings or special occasions due to its unique and impressive flavor profile.
How do I prepare the peaches?
Wash them, remove the pits, and cut them into small wedges before folding them into the chicken mixture.
What type of cardamom is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom.