Pomegranate Chicken or Duck

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck Recipe from Persia

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of pomegranate molasses with the richness of walnuts and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck is a traditional Persian dish that dates back centuries. Pomegranates have long been prized in Persian cuisine for their sweet and tangy flavor, as well as their health benefits. This dish is often served during celebrations and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 chopped onion
3 tbsp olive oil
0.5 cup pomegranate molasses
2 cups coarsely ground walnuts
3 tsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp nutmeg
0.5 tsp turmeric
0.25 tsp saffron (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water)
4 – 5 lb (2.27 kg) fryer chicken or duck, cut up

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine pomegranate molasses, ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and saffron. Set aside.
Clean the chicken, removing any unnecessary bones and skin.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a pot, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 3 minutes.
Add the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and turmeric to the pot.
Pour in 1 cup of water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
Add the pomegranate mixture to the pot and continue simmering on low heat for an additional 30 minutes. Check the water level and add more if necessary.
If desired, add a bit more sugar to make the sauce sweeter.
Transfer the chicken to a deep serving pot, cover, and keep warm in a preheated oven until ready to serve.
Serve the chicken with rice.

Variations

You can substitute chicken for duck in this recipe for a lighter option.
Add dried fruits such as apricots or raisins for a sweeter flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken or duck well before cooking to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken or duck on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Pomegranate Chicken or Duck with rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken or duck in the pomegranate sauce allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken or duck.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pomegranate sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Pomegranate Chicken or Duck with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

25g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With its unique combination of pomegranate molasses, walnuts, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Pomegranate Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was always full of surprises when it came to cooking, and that day was no different.

As I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma. Maria was standing over the stove, stirring a pot of something that looked and smelled amazing. I asked her what she was making, and she simply smiled and said, "Pomegranate Chicken."

I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was instantly intrigued. Maria explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She described how the pomegranate juice added a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic at the same time.

I watched as Maria added the pomegranate juice, garlic, and spices to the pot, letting it simmer and thicken into a rich sauce. The aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When she finally served up the dish, I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make Pomegranate Chicken for myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, and I set out to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and followed the steps carefully, making sure to infuse each bite with the love and care that Maria had shown me.

As the chicken simmered in the pomegranate sauce, I couldn't help but think back to that day in Maria's kitchen. I felt a connection to her and to her grandmother, a bond that transcended time and distance. And when I finally sat down to eat my own Pomegranate Chicken, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe that would be cherished for years to come.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist and flair to make it truly my own. And every time I make Pomegranate Chicken, I am reminded of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, where a simple dish brought us together and created a lasting memory that I will always treasure.

So, if you ever find yourself craving something new and exciting in the kitchen, I highly recommend trying out this recipe for Pomegranate Chicken. It's a dish that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds, leaving you with a culinary experience that you won't soon forget. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Bon appétit!