Ləvəngi (Azerbaijani Walnut-Stuffed Chicken)
In short: Chicken packed with a paste of ground walnuts, onion, herbs and pomegranate molasses, then roasted until deep brown. A specialty of the south. It takes about 2 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 1 h 35 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 2 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 500 kcal
Ləvəngi is a southern Azerbaijani way of roasting chicken or fish. Here the chicken is packed with a paste of ground walnuts, onion, herbs and pomegranate molasses and roasted until the skin is deep brown. The stuffing turns rich and a little sour, and it flavors the meat from inside. Carve it at the table and spoon the stuffing alongside.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the chicken dry and rub it inside and out with the salt and pepper.
- Cook the onions in the 2 tbsp oil over medium heat for 10 minutes until soft and golden. Cool slightly.
- Mix the onions with the walnuts, 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses, cilantro, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper and water into a thick paste.
- Loosen the skin over the breast and push about a third of the stuffing under it. Fill the cavity with the rest. Tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under.
- Set the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan and brush with the 1 tbsp oil. Roast for 20 minutes, then lower the oven to 180°C (350°F) and roast for 60 to 70 minutes more.
- Brush with the remaining 1 tbsp molasses for the last 10 minutes. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C (165°F) and the stuffing in the center reaches the same temperature.
- Rest for 15 minutes, carve, and serve with the stuffing and pomegranate seeds on top.
Tips
- No pomegranate molasses? Stir 2 tbsp lemon juice with 2 tsp honey for a similar sweet and sour note.
- The same stuffing works for a whole fish such as sea bream or trout. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on size.
Questions and answers
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Stuff the chicken just before roasting.
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes. Spread the stuffing over bone-in thighs, tie them with string and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 40 to 45 minutes, until they reach 74°C (165°F).
What do you serve with ləvəngi?
Plain rice or plov, a tomato and herb salad and fresh bread. A spoonful of extra pomegranate molasses on the side adds tartness.
How long does it take to make Ləvəngi (Azerbaijani Walnut-Stuffed Chicken)?
About 2 h 15 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 1 h 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ləvəngi (Azerbaijani Walnut-Stuffed Chicken)?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 33 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
