Step 1 of 5
Fesenjan
Toast the ground walnuts in a dry heavy pot over medium heat, stirring, 5 minutes until fragrant. Do not let them colour much.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Fesenjan take?
2 hr 35 min all in — 20 min prep, 2 hr 15 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Tree nuts. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Blender.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
How much sugar?
2 tbsp (to taste) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Chicken thighs → Duck legs or small lamb meatballs. Duck is the older version. Brown it well and skim the fat before adding to the walnuts.
What should I watch for?
Walnuts sink and stick. Scrape the bottom each time you stir.
Any tips from this recipe?
Grind the walnuts in pulses. Overworked, they turn to paste and the sauce goes greasy too early. Pomegranate molasses brands vary wildly in sweetness. Taste yours before you measure the sugar.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.