Khoresht Aloo va Haveej (Persian Chicken, dried plum and Carrot Stew)

Aloo va Haveej or chicken with prunes or poulet aux prunes is one of my childhood favourites- best made by my grandmother. It also later became the title of one of my favourite comic books by Marjan Satrapi  most recently adapted into a French movie. 

Definitely a must read along with her other books Persepolis

Back to the recipe- you will need chicken, carrots, potatoes, prunes or aloo and a touch of saffron. And if you really want it to be delicious in taste you can always use butter as your cooking oil! 

Ingredients: (4 servings) Chicken, 1 kg Pitted prunes or dried plum (aloo), 400 grams Onions, 2 large Saffron, 1/2 teaspoon Potatoes, 2 large Carrots, 2-3  Cooking oil/butter Salt and pepper This is the rice I made that goes along with the dish Directions: Wash prunes and soak in two glasses of cold water for 30 minutes. Peel and thinly slice onions. Fry in oil until slightly golden.  Wash chicken pieces and fry in onions until colour changes. Add salt and prunes to chicken and cook over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes. Wash and peel potatoes and cut into 1-2 cm pieces. Fry potatoes and saffron until crispy. Wash and peel carrots. Cut into 1-2 cm pieces. Fry slightly but not too long because you don't want them to get soft.  Add carrots to the chicken and prunes, cook for about 15 minutes.  Next, add potatoes to chicken and prunes and cook over medium heat for another 10 minutes. Enjoy with a side of rice.