Persian Eggplant Fesenjan with Pomegranate and Walnuts

Name: Persian Eggplant Fesenjan with Pomegranate and Walnuts
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Eggplants; Olive Oil; Salt; Walnuts; Vegetable Broth; Pomegranate Molasses; Sugar; Ground Cinnamon; Salt; Black Pepper; Pomegranate Seeds; Chopped Parsley; Chopped Mint; Basmati Rice; Warm Pita Bread

A Persian classic with a rich, savory-sweet profile

Eggplant Fesenjan is a vegetarian twist on the traditional Iranian dish, known for its tangy and nutty sauce made with pomegranates and walnuts.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Eggplant

Eggplants

3 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes

Olive Oil

3 tbsp

Salt

to taste

For the Walnut Sauce

Walnuts

1½ cups, ground

Vegetable Broth

2 cups

Pomegranate Molasses

1 cup

Sugar

1 tbsp

Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp

Salt

to taste

Black Pepper

to taste

For Garnishing

Pomegranate Seeds

½ cup

Chopped Parsley

2 tbsp

Chopped Mint

2 tbsp

For Accompaniments

Basmati Rice

to serve

Warm Pita Bread

optional

Preparation

Preparing the Eggplant

Salt the Eggplant

Sprinkle eggplant cubes with salt and let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.

Dry the Eggplant

Rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Roast the Eggplant

Toss with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Preparing the Walnut Sauce

Toast the Walnuts

In a large pan, toast the ground walnuts lightly over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Combine Sauce Ingredients

Add vegetable broth, pomegranate molasses, sugar, and cinnamon; stir to combine.

Simmer the Sauce

Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

⚠ Ensure the sauce does not boil; it should gently simmer. 💡 If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a bit more broth.

Cooking Process

Combining the Eggplant

Gently fold the roasted eggplant into the simmering walnut sauce.

Simmer Together

Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.

Final Adjustments

Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.

Plating & Serving