READY IN 2¾ hrs

Pomegranate Stew with Chicken (Khoresh Fesenjan)

Read Reviews (47)

"Chicken, onions, finely processed walnuts, and pomegranate juice are simmered to perfection. The sauce should be as thick as a good chili. Serve with saffron steamed basmati rice. Enjoy! If you prefer, substitute angelica powder for cardamom; instead of pomegranate juice, you can substitute 1/2 cup pomegranate paste diluted in 2 cups water." — Sepi

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken and onions in skillet, and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in pureed walnuts, salt, pomegranate juice, and cardamom. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. (If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in 1/4 cup warm water.) Mix in sugar, adjust seasoning, and simmer 30 minutes more.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 15 mins
COOK 2 hrs 30 mins
READY IN 2 hrs 45 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Feb 25, 2007

Personally, I thought this dish was a nice change from the ordinary. Let me tell you what I did differently... I replaced half of the pomegranate juice with chicken broth. I used boneless chicken breasts instead of the bone in chicken. My recommendation would be to take others advice and use the boneless chicken thighs. (The chicken was a little dry.) This stew deffinetly could use some brightening at the end. I garnished with some chopped parsley. It was still a little sweet for my taste though so I added a few sliced green olives. I have to say, it was delicious with the olives. It had the sweet/salty thing going on! I served with flatbread and rice trying to decided which would be better. The flat bread was the winner, in my opinion. All in all, I would make it again.

—Violet78

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Nov 29, 2008

I really wanted to like this, but found the tart flavor too strong and overpowering. I wish I had followed other reviews and used half pom juice, half chicen broth.

—alo365

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58 Ratings

Nov 15, 2007

I've tried several Fesenjan recipes on this site and THIS is the one I've been looking for. This is about as good as it gets, aside from it being cooked by a Persian mom (which by default will always be better). I don't really like chicken legs, but I used them anyways based on the reviews. SO good! I used really fresh walnuts, and I found that after a couple of hours of simmering a lot of oil went to the top. It was easy to blot the top of the stew before serving and that cut back on the grease factor somewhat. This isn't the most aesthetically pleasing dish, but it definitely makes up for its presentation in taste. I will definitely be making this one again! Thanks a lot for the recipe:)

—pinkypink

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Oct 09, 2006

Really easy to make, and delicious. The total winner at a recent dinner party. Taking another reviewer's advice, I made double the portion but kept the pomegranate juice quantity the same, substituting water & vegeta seasoning (as I'd run out of stock). It was moist, tender and delicious. As someone mentioned previously, the appearance and aroma while it's cooking is unusual if you're not used to working with these ingredients. I was worried my guests might find it odd-looking, and I'm sure a few did, but they all loved it. :) I made it with some carrot & onion basmati rice, and some Syrian beans (from AllRecipes) and served it with some heated (and olive-oil brushed) Persian Barbari flatbread which I found in the neighborhood. Fantastic. I accidentally posted this review for the Persian Fesenjan recipe, but it belongs here. (woops)

—sputnitsa

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Apr 22, 2005

Wow! I made this with pomegranate paste/Molasses found in Jon's, simmered for about 2 hours over LOW heat, walnuts start releasing its oil by the end, It has a brownish purplish color that taste amazing, don't forget to stir it occasionally. I served it with white rice and sour pickles.(We like tart stuff so I didn't add the sugar either). Thanks!

—MMIK

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Mar 24, 2006

I modified this somewhat. I doubled the recipe for a Persian New Years Eve Party and after I began making it realized that I had forgotten to buy double the Pomegranite Juice - so for the additional 4 cups juice that I needed I added Chicken Buillion - so I ended up with 4 cups of each for the double recipe. What a hit this was! (and not purple this time without the extra juice! I had made this dish before using a different recipe that also called for cubed Summer (is that the Orange?) Squash. The Orange Cubes give it a nice touch of color and flavor! People raved! Yum!

—MINALEWIS

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Nov 13, 2008

First, thank you SO much for sharing this. My friend and I made this the other night, and it came out DELICIOUS! I have had fesenjan before made in my favorite restaurant and by family, but it beats both(although my aunts does come close).We only used 1/4th the pomegranate juice though, because we didn't have anymore >.<! Thanks for the great recipe!

—sopostmodernn

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Dec 11, 2008

This is one of my favourite dishes. I usually remove the meat from the chicken once it's cooked ... kind of like pulled pork, you just sort of shread up the chicken, then return the meat to the pot. That way there are no bones in the stew, just serve it over your rice and enjoy. Always good with a side of plain yogurt.

—Autumn Leaves

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Nutrition

Calories
785 kcal
39%

Carbohydrates
95.4 g
31%

Cholesterol
64 mg
21%

Fat
39 g
60%

Fiber
2.9 g
12%

Protein
24.4 g
49%

Sodium
445 mg
18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Pomegranate Stew with Chicken (Khoresh Fesenjan)

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 785
Calories from Fat: 351

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 39g 60 %
Saturated Fat 5.7g 28 %
Cholesterol 64mg 21 %
Sodium 445mg 18 %
** Potassium 329mg 9 %
Total Carbohydrates 95.4g 31 %
Dietary Fiber 2.9g 12 %
Protein 24.4g 49 %
** Sugars 82.5g
Vitamin A 2 %
Vitamin C 11 %
Calcium 6 %
Iron 36 %
** Thiamin 22 %
** Niacin 39 %
** Vitamin B6 23 %
** Magnesium 28 %
** Folate 25 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.