Budget Fesenjan Chicken Thighs (Print Version)

Tender chicken thighs with walnuts and pomegranate molasses in a rich savory tangy stew.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 28 oz)

→ Nuts

02 - 1 1/2 cups walnut halves or pieces (about 5 1/4 oz)

→ Produce

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 3 cups water or unsalted chicken broth

→ Condiments

06 - 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses (about 3.4 fl oz)

→ Pantry

07 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Spices

08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

→ Sweetener

12 - 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, optional and to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then pulse in a food processor until coarse and sandy in texture.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion until soft and golden, about 8 minutes, then add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
03 - Stir in ground turmeric and cinnamon; cook for approximately 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma.
04 - Add chicken thighs, season with salt and black pepper, and brown on both sides lightly for 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle in ground walnuts, pour in water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Stir in pomegranate molasses and optional sugar. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and chicken is tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Serve hot, ideally over steamed basmati rice.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For extra flavor add a pinch of ground cardamom
  • Adjust the sugar and pomegranate molasses to balance tartness and sweetness
03 -
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness
  • Toast the walnuts gently to enhance their aroma without burning
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