Nihari is a popular and mouth-watering dish that originated from the Mughal era in the Indian subcontinent. It is a slow-cooked meat dish that is usually prepared with beef shanks, but can also be made with mutton or chicken. Nihari is known for its rich and spicy flavor, and it is a popular breakfast dish in South Asia. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect nihari at home.
Ingredients for Nihari
Before we get into the cooking process, let’s go through the ingredients required to make nihari:
- 2-3 lbs of beef shanks or mutton
- 3-4 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 2-3 onions, finely sliced
- 2-3 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 2-3 tbsp of red chili powder
- 1-2 tbsp of coriander powder
- 1-2 tbsp of cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 tbsp of garam masala
- 2-3 tbsp of wheat flour
- 2-3 tbsp of lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves and green chilies for garnish
Cooking Process
Now, let’s get into the cooking process. Follow these steps to make a delicious nihari:
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
Take a large pot and add the meat to it. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the meat and add 1-2 tsp of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the meat cook for 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the meat.
Step 2: Cooking the Meat
In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil and add the sliced onions. Cook until they turn golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Now, add the meat to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the meat is browned.
Step 3: Adding Spices
Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt to the pot. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Adding Wheat Flour
After 2-3 hours of simmering, take a small bowl and add the wheat flour. Add enough water to make a paste and mix well. Add this paste to the pot and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for another 30-45 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 5: Garnishing
Add garam masala and lemon juice to the pot and mix well. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and green chilies.
Serving Nihari
Nihari is traditionally served with naan or roti. It can also be served with boiled rice. Add some chopped onions and lemon juice on top for extra flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Nihari
- Use beef shanks or mutton for best results.
- Cook the meat until it is browned before adding spices.
- Simmer the mixture for at least 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
- Add wheat flour to thicken the gravy.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and green chilies for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Nihari is a delicious and authentic Asian dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. This slow-cooked meat dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a comforting meal on a cold day. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the perfect nihari at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
