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Fesenjan (walnut & aubergine stew)

Fesenjan (walnut & aubergine stew)

Ground nuts are so good in savoury dishes, adding both flavour and a luscious, thick texture. Traditionally, this Persian dish is made with meat – duck, lamb, chicken or beef – but aubergine makes a great alternative.

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Gluten freeVeganVegetarian
  • Serves6
  • CourseMain meal
  • Prepare15 mins
  • Cook55 mins
  • Total time1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

  • 4 aubergines, sliced into wedges
  • 120ml olive oil
  • 3 tsp fine sea salt
  • 300g walnuts
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 clove/s garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 650ml hot vegetable stock (or water)
  • 150g pomegranate molasses
  • 100 pomegranate seeds
  • ½ x 25g pack flat leaf parsley, leaves roughly chopped

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 220ºC, gas mark 7. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment. In a bowl, mix the aubergines with 75ml oil, 1½ tsp salt and some black pepper. Spread out on the lined tray and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

  2. Meanwhile, put the walnuts in a food processor and whizz to large crumbs; set aside. Heat the remaining 45ml oil in a large sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the onions and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the garlic, cook for 1 minute, then add the tomato purée, spices, 1½ tsp salt and some black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, adding a splash of stock if it starts catching, then stir in the walnuts. Stir for a minute or two, then pour over the stock and pomegranate molasses. Simmer for about 40 minutes, covered, but stirring quite frequently.

  3. To serve, very gently stir through the aubergines, then scatter with the pomegranate seeds and parsley. Enjoy with flatbreads, steamed rice and/or a chopped salad, if liked.

Cook’s tip

Cook’s Tip

Make a double quantity of the sauce, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just stir through cooked meat or veg for a speedy supper.

Nutritional

Typical values per serving when made using specific products in recipe

Energy

2,747kJ/ 663kcals

Fat

54g

Saturated Fat

7.1g

Carbohydrates

28g

Sugars

25.1g

Fibre

9.1g

Protein

11g

Salt

3.5g

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