Iranian chicken lavangi, also known as “lavangi morgh,” is a delectable Persian dish that combines chicken with a flavorful blend of spices. Here’s a recipe for this delicious Iranian specialty.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh coriander or parsley for garnish
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Doro Wat recipe
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the minced garlic, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the hot oil and sauté until they become translucent and lightly browned.
Add Spices: Add the ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and pomegranate molasses to the onions. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.
Add the Marinated Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and has a golden brown color. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
Incorporate Saffron: Pour the dissolved saffron over the chicken and mix well. This will give the dish its distinctive flavor and color.
Add Ground Walnuts: Sprinkle the ground walnuts over the chicken and stir to combine. This will thicken the sauce and add a rich, nutty flavor.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Lavangi simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or pomegranate molasses if needed.
Serve: Transfer the Iranian Chicken Lavangi to a serving platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Iranian Chicken Lavangi is traditionally served with saffron-infused rice or Iranian flatbreads like lavash or sangak. Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Persian dish!
