Fesenjan

Iran

Also known as Fesenjoon

About Fesenjan

Fesenjan is a rich Persian stew of chicken or duck cooked in a thick sauce of ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses. It is sweet, sour and nutty, with a deep brown color.

The walnuts are toasted, finely ground and slowly simmered until they release their oil, giving the sauce its creamy texture. The balance of sour pomegranate and sugar is adjusted to taste, and some cooks add saffron or cinnamon.

Fesenjan is closely linked to the northern Iranian province of Gilan and is a dish for special occasions like weddings and Yalda Night. It is served with fluffy saffron rice.

Ingredients

• chicken
• walnuts
• pomegranate molasses
• onions
• saffron
• sugar
• rice