Nihari is a slow-cooked, flavorful stew, popular in South Asian cuisine, especially in Pakistan and India. It’s typically made with beef or mutton and a blend of spices. Here’s a basic recipe for Beef Nihari:
Beef Nihari
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef shank or stewing beef, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 4-5 cups water or beef stock
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons wheat flour or all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt to taste
Spice Mix (Nihari Masala):
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 3-4 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon mace powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
Garnish:
- Fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Sliced green chilies
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare Spice Mix (Nihari Masala):
- Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf in a pan until fragrant. Grind them to a fine powder.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add the beef pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
- Add the prepared spice mix (Nihari Masala), red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and mix well.
- Pour in water or beef stock, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 2-3 hours on low heat until the meat is tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 30-40 minutes after reaching pressure.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix wheat flour or all-purpose flour with some water to form a paste. Stir it into the simmering stew and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish the Nihari with sliced ginger, chopped cilantro, sliced green chilies, and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot with naan or crusty bread.
Nihari is often enjoyed as a special dish for breakfast or brunch, and its rich, aromatic flavors make it a favorite during special occasions. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference and enjoy this comforting stew!
