Fesenjan Inspired Pomegranate Meatballs Recipes

Steps:

• *Note: I didn't have enough bulgur for this recipe and substitute cracked wheat and skipped the soaking (not necessary).
• Prepare meatballs. Place bulgur in a medium bowl and pour hot water on top. Let soak for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine lamb, beef, onion, walnuts, spices black pepper, salt, egg, mint, and pomegranate molasses.
• Add bulgur to meat mixture and mix. I find it best to refrigerate the meatball mixture first for at least 30 minutes before forming.
• PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• With slightly damp hands form mixture into meatballs*. I used an oiled cookie scoop to help me form the meatballs.
• Place meatballs on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Drain on paper towel then transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. I garnished them with fresh mint and a light drizzle of pomegranate molasses. If desired, serve a bowl of plain yogurt on the side to accompany the meatballs.
• *Note: if serving this as an appetizer, use 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture to form each meatball.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté in olive oil until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Spread walnuts on a baking sheet, and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. Once cool to the touch, rub walnut pieces between your palms to shed excess skin. Pulse in a food processor until finely chopped but not pasty. Transfer to a Dutch oven, and add onion and 2 cups water. Place over medium-low heat and simmer, partly covered, stirring it occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add 2 cups pomegranate molasses, sautéed chicken, squash, cinnamon, saffron mixture and 1 cup chicken broth or water.
• Adjust flavor with sugar, salt and pomegranate molasses, so it is tangy but also a bit sweet. Simmer gently, covered, until the sauce is a dark walnut color with a layer of oil on the surface, 35 to 40 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add additional broth or water as needed. Adjust flavors again, and stir so the walnut oil is well mixed.
• Bring the mixture to another gentle boil with the lid ajar, then continue to simmer on low heat until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 20 minutes. Make a final taste test, and adjust flavors to your liking.
• To serve, stir so that the walnut oil is evenly absorbed. Serve hot with Persian steamed white rice.