#nihari

The word Nihari is derived from the Arabic word Nihar, which means morning. Hence the name Nihari means that it was used for breakfast.

Nihari-making originated either in the back streets of Delhi's Jama mosque, or many Lucknow enthusiasts believe it began with the fall of the Mughal Empire in the late 18th century. After, the Nawab happened from the kitchens of Oudh.

The method of preparing nihari is still more or less the same as it was in the early days. 

In those days, after the lid of the pot was covered, a dough stick was placed on its sides to maintain maximum temperature and slow cooking with steam. After lightly frying the meat, aromatic spices were added to it and left to slowly decompose and absorb the aroma of these spices.

The flavor of these spices would settle into the meat very gently, as if someone were casting a spell to entice someone.

Making Pakistani Nihar: The Easy Way

Prepare to embark on a culinary voyage, we will try to uncover the secrets of nihari, a dish steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. 

Join us as we delve into the depths of this iconic dish, and unveil a traditional Pakistani nihari recipe that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Lahore or Karachi.

Making The Best Nihari - Ingredients

Before we begin our culinary adventure, let's gather the following ingredients for our nihari:

1 kg beef shank or mutton, cut into chunks

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup ghee or cooking oil

3 tablespoons ginger paste

3 tablespoons garlic paste

1 tablespoon turmeric powder

2 tablespoons red chili powder

2 tablespoons coriander powder

1 tablespoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

4-5 green cardamom pods

2-3 cloves

3-4 bay leaves

Salt to taste

Warm water

Fresh ginger slices

Fresh green chilies

Chopped coriander for garnish

Naan bread or steamed rice for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Nihari

Now, let's dive into the art of preparing Pakistani nihari with our step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fry the Onions

Heat ghee or cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Searing The Meat

Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef or mutton chunks to the pot.

Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the meat on all sides until it develops a rich, brown crust, locking in the flavors.

Step 3: Crafting The Spice Blend

While the meat is searing, prepare the spice blend by combining ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves in a small bowl.

Step 4: Infusing The Flavors

Once the meat is seared to perfection, add the prepared spice blend to the pot.

Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the aromatic spices, allowing them to release their flavors and aromas.

Step 5: Slow Cooking

Pour enough warm water into the pot to cover the meat completely.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the nihari simmer gently for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 6: Thickening The Gravy

After the nihari has simmered for several hours, remove a ladleful of the gravy from the pot and transfer it to a separate bowl.

Using a fork or whisk, mash the onions and spices in the gravy until they form a smooth paste.

Pour the mashed gravy back into the pot and stir well to thicken the nihari to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serving

Serve the hot nihari in bowls, garnished with fresh ginger slices, green chilies, and chopped coriander.

Accompany the nihari with warm naan bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

The Bottom Line 

With its tantalizing aroma and robust flavors, Pakistani nihari is a dish that embodies the essence of Pakistani cuisine. By following this above traditional recipe and savoring each step of the cooking process, you can experience the true magic of nihari and transport yourself to the vibrant streets and bustling bazaars of Pakistan.