Fesenjan - Persian Chicken in a Walnut & Pomegranate Sauce

Fesenjan - Persian Chicken in a Walnut & Pomegranate Sauce

One of the great dishes of Iran!  In an Iranian home if a guest is to be honoured they are cooked this dish.  I highly recommend this dish, it is delicious!

Serves 4

Prep time:   10 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, peeled & finely sliced

½ tsp turmeric

450g/1 lb walnuts, ground & reserve a few whole for serving

900ml/1 ½ pint chicken stock

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground pepper

4 chicken legs

3 tbsp pomegranate molasses

2 lemons, juice only

50g/2 oz sugar

To serve

Basmati rice, cooked as per packet instructions

Method

1.  In a large frying pan heat 2 tbsp of oil and fry the onions and turmeric until soft and golden.  Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a large casserole.  Add the ground walnuts, chicken stock and seasoning.  Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.

2.  Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan and add the chicken, fry until browned all over.  Add to the casserole and make sure to cover with the sauce.  Cover the casserole and simmer for 1 hour stirring occasionally.  Skim any excess fat from the surface of the casserole.

3.  In a small bowl mix together the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice and sugar and add to the casserole, stir through and let simmer for another 20 minutes.  Season to taste, if needed.

4.  To serve, arrange the chicken on a bed of rice and pour over the delicious sauce, scatter over the remaining walnuts.