How to Make Nihari Recipe & Delicious Food

Introduction:

Nihari Recipe is the perfect dish. Originating from the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, Nihari has become a cherished breakfast and dinner delicacy in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Traditionally cooked overnight, this stew-like dish is known for its deep flavor, tender meat, and spicy aroma.

What Is Nihari?

Nihari Recipe is a slow-cooked meat stew, traditionally made with beef shank or mutton, cooked overnight with bone marrow, spices, and flour to create a thick, aromatic gravy. The word Nihari comes from the Arabic word “Nahar”, which means “morning,” as it was originally served early in the morning after Fajr prayer.

 Ingredients for Nihari Recipe

Here is a complete list of ingredients used in an authentic Nihari Recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Beef shank (with bone) or mutton	1 kg	Main meat for the stew
Bone marrow (Nalli)	2 pieces	Adds flavor and richness
Cooking oil or ghee	1 cup	Used for sautéing and gravy
Wheat flour (atta) or all-purpose flour	3 tbsp	To thicken the curry
Ginger-garlic paste	2 tbsp	For flavor and aroma
Onions (sliced)	2 large	For base gravy
Water	6-8 cups	For boiling and simmering
Salt	To taste	Basic seasoning

Whole Spices for Nihari Masala:

Spice	Quantity
Bay leaves	2
Cinnamon sticks	2
Green cardamom	4
Black cardamom	2
Cloves	6
Mace	1 blade
Nutmeg	¼ tsp (grated)
Star anise	1
Black peppercorns	10
Fennel seeds	1 tbsp
Cumin seeds	1 tbsp
Coriander seeds	1 tbsp
Dry ginger powder (saunth)	1 tsp
Kashmiri red chili powder	1 tbsp
Turmeric powder	1 tsp
Nihari masala (optional)	2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)

Garnishing Ingredients:

Item	Quantity
Julianne-cut ginger	1 tbsp
Fresh coriander leaves	2 tbsp (chopped)
Lemon wedges	For serving
Green chilies	2 (chopped)
Fried onions	½ cup

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Nihari Recipe

Follow these steps for an authentic and flavorful Nihari Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare Nihari Masala (Optional but recommended)

If you’re not using store-bought Nihari masala, dry roast all the whole spices (listed above) for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Cool them and grind into a fine powder.

Step 2: Fry the Onions

Heat oil or ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half the fried onions and set them aside for garnishing.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Add ginger-garlic paste to the remaining onions in the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the beef or mutton pieces and sear until browned. Add salt, turmeric, red chili powder, and the Nihari masala. Stir well and cook for 10–15 minutes on medium heat.

Step 4: Add Water and Simmer

Pour in 6–8 cups of water to cover the meat. Add the bone marrow pieces. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 4–6 hours (traditional method) or 1–2 hours in a pressure cooker.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Mix the flour with water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering curry while stirring continuously. Cook for another 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Step 6: Tempering (Optional)

In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and add a pinch of Nihari masala. Fry for 1 minute and pour this over the Nihari for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander, ginger, green chilies, and lemon wedges. Nihari is best enjoyed with naan, kulcha, or steamed rice.

Tips for the Best Nihari Recipe

• Slow Cooking: The longer you cook Nihari on low heat, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Meat Choice: Use beef shank with bone for authenticity and richness.
• Marrow: Bone marrow adds the signature silky texture to Nihari.
• Flour: Do not skip the flour—it’s essential for the right consistency.
• Ghee: Using ghee enhances the flavor and authenticity.

Pros and Cons of Making Nihari Recipe at Home

Pros

1. Authentic Flavor: Homemade Nihari allows full control over spices and ingredients.
2. Healthier: You can use less oil and healthier cuts of meat.
3. Customizable: Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
4. Economical: Making it at home is more cost-effective than restaurant servings.
5. Freezing Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen.

Cons

1. Time-Consuming: Requires long hours of cooking and preparation.
2. Needs Special Spices: May require a trip to an ethnic grocery store.
3. Heavy Dish: High in fat and calories; not suitable for daily consumption.
4. Labor Intensive: Multiple steps and lots of stirring required.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the Nihari Recipe is a rewarding experience for lovers of traditional South Asian cuisine. Its deeply spiced, slow-cooked richness offers unmatched comfort and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a festive family meal or simply indulging your culinary skills, Nihari is a dish that speaks of history, flavor, and heritage in every bite.

So take your time, follow this guide step-by-step, and enjoy the magic of a perfectly cooked Nihari at home.

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