Pin it A rich, tangy-sweet Persian stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with walnuts and pomegranate molasses, offering classic flavors on a budget.
I have made this stew numerous times and it never fails to impress family and friends with its unique balance of walnut and pomegranate flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 800 g (about 6) bone-in, skinless
- Walnuts: 150 g (1 1/2 cups) walnut halves or pieces
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Water or chicken broth: 750 ml (3 cups), unsalted
- Pomegranate molasses: 100 ml (about 1/2 cup)
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp plus more to taste
- Sugar: 1–2 tbsp optional
Instructions
- Toast walnuts:
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant, cool and finely grind.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat oil in a large pot, sauté onion about 8 minutes until soft and golden, add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Cook spices:
- Stir in turmeric and cinnamon; cook 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Brown chicken:
- Add chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, brown lightly on both sides about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add walnuts and liquid:
- Sprinkle ground walnuts and pour in water or broth. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Add molasses and sugar:
- Stir in pomegranate molasses and sugar if using. Simmer uncovered 30 to 40 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is tender. Adjust salt and sugar to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed basmati rice.
Pin it This dish always brings the family to the table, sharing stories while savoring every bite together.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories ~540, Total Fat 34 g, Carbohydrates 21 g, Protein 37 g.
Pin it This stew is a perfect blend of sweet and savory ready to impress with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs provide tenderness and rich flavor, ideal for slow simmering in the sauce.
- → How do I prepare the walnuts?
Toast the walnuts lightly until fragrant, then grind them to a coarse sand consistency to thicken the stew and add nutty depth.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
Yes, balance the pomegranate molasses and optional sugar to achieve your preferred tangy-sweet flavor.
- → What spices enhance the dish?
Ground turmeric and cinnamon bring warm, aromatic notes that complement the walnuts and pomegranate flavors.
- → What to serve alongside this dish?
Steamed basmati rice is a classic accompaniment, soaking up the rich sauce and balancing the robust flavors.