Pin this A rich, tangy-sweet Persian stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with walnuts and pomegranate molasses, offering classic flavors on a budget.
This stew has become a family favorite thanks to its comforting taste and easy prep that fits well into our weekly meals.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 800 g (about 6) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Nuts: 150 g (1 1/2 cups) walnut halves or pieces
- Produce: 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) water or unsalted chicken broth
- Condiments: 100 ml (about 1/2 cup) pomegranate molasses
- Pantry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Spices: 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- Sweetener: 1 2 tbsp sugar (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Toast Walnuts:
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 7 minutes until fragrant Let cool then finely grind in a food processor until resembling coarse sand
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In a large pot heat oil over medium heat Sauté the onion until soft and golden about 8 minutes Add garlic and cook 1 minute more
- Add Spices:
- Stir in turmeric and cinnamon cook for 30 seconds until aromatic
- Brown Chicken:
- Add the chicken thighs season with salt and pepper and brown lightly on both sides about 4 5 minutes
- Add Walnuts and Liquid:
- Sprinkle in the ground walnuts and pour in water or broth Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally
- Simmer with Molasses and Sugar:
- Stir in pomegranate molasses and sugar (if using) Continue simmering uncovered for another 30 40 minutes stirring often until the sauce thickens and the chicken is very tender Adjust salt and sugar to taste
- Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed basmati rice
Pin this This dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and enjoying the deep flavors of Persian cuisine.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of ground cardamom Adjust the sugar and pomegranate molasses to balance tartness and sweetness
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven Skillet Food processor or blender Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (walnuts) May contain allergens if using commercially prepared pomegranate molasses or broth check labels
Pin this Enjoy this comforting stew on chilly nights or whenever you crave a taste of Persian tradition.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless thighs can speed up cooking.
- → How do I achieve the right sauce consistency?
Simmering the stew uncovered after adding pomegranate molasses thickens the sauce naturally, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- → Can I prepare the walnuts differently?
Toasting walnuts before grinding enhances their aroma and brings out a deeper nuttiness essential to the dish.
- → Is it possible to adjust sweetness and tartness?
Yes, adjusting the amounts of sugar and pomegranate molasses lets you find the perfect balance to suit your taste.
- → What should I serve this with?
Steamed basmati rice pairs beautifully, absorbing the rich sauce and complementing the aromatic spices.
- → Are there any common allergens to consider?
This dish contains tree nuts (walnuts) and may contain allergens if using prepared pomegranate molasses or broth. Check ingredient labels accordingly.