This lighter Fesenjan is my first dance with Persian cuisine! It’s surprisingly simple, yet so filling and jam-packed with sweet ‘n’ savory antioxidants. It also happens to be SOS (sugar, oil, salt) free.Â
Basic components of Fesenjan: Pomegranate juice or molasses, sweet potatoes, onions, greens, walnuts, cinnamon, turmeric, and some sort of protein. Traditionally, this dish uses meat, but I don’t encourage that. Tempeh or chickpeas are the way to go! Most restaurants will serve this ethnic meal over a bowl of rice, or they will offer you pita bread on the side. I would recommend either of those additions to bump up the calories/carbs.
Lighter Fesenjan Recipe
Makes 2 servings, easily doubled! In fact, easiER doubled 😉
WHAT YOU’RE GONNA NEED:
- 1/4 cup walnuts (30g)
- 1/2 can chickpeas (125g drained)
- 1/2 cup (4 oz or 120mL) pomegranate juice
- 1 cup mixed veggies: carrots, celery, and sweet potato cubes
- 1 cup kale leaves
- 1 medium onion, diced (120g)
- 1/2 tsp each: cinnamon and turmeric
- Dash of cayenne pepper and garlic powder
- Optional toppings for serving: 1/4 cup pomegranate arils and minced cilantro
WHAT YOU’RE GONNA DO:
- Toast the walnuts on a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- After 5 minutes, remove the walnuts and set them aside.
- Pour in pomegranate juice, add all the veggies EXCEPT KALE, and cover.
- While that’s cooking, finely chop the walnuts. Alternatively, blitz them in a spice/coffee grinder.
- Now, lift that lid and add the rest of the ingredients. Cook for ~7~ minutes.
- Add to two pasta plates or Pyrex leftover containers. Garnish with pomegranate pips and cilantro, and serve!
INFO DE NUTRITION per 1/2 of the recipe aka 1 full serving: 310 calories | 12g protein | 10g fiber | 7g fat
This is perfect for popping in the microwave at work, where the stunning smells will tantalize your office mates.
I must thank my sister for the vegan cookbook she gifted me for Christmas, as it included loose inspiration for this recipe. I switched up the veggies, lowered the amount of walnuts, and altered higher-calorie ingredients. Fesenjan has been on my plate list (aka food-related bucket list) for a while!
Best Dishes,
The Hippie Happy Foodistâ„¢
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