CB’s Nihari Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Nihari (Pakistani Beef Stew)
This Easy Slow Cooker Nihari recipe takes less than 30 minutes of prep time but does not compromise on the authentic taste of this traditional Pakistani Beef Stew! Layers of flavor in every bite!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Whole Spices
1/2 piece of a small star anise
1-2 small bay leaves
1 inch piece cinnamon stick
Ground Spices
2-3 whole cloves ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle
2-3 green cardamom pods seeds removed and ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle
1/2 tsp fennel seeds ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle
1/2 tsp paprika powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4-1/2 tsp Asian red chilli powder or cayenne
1/4 tsp crushed red chilli flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder (optional)
pinch nutmeg
1/2 tbsp Nihari Masala Powder
Nihari
1/3 cup canola or other neutral oil
1 tbsp ghee or butter
1 large onion thinly sliced
5-6 garlic cloves crushed
3/4- inch piece ginger crushed
1 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
1/4 cup atta flour or corn starch
4 cups water
1 lb beef stew or shank pieces - about 1 1/2 inch cubed
Garnishings
crispy fried onions
1 inch piece ginger julienned
1 lemon sliced
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
1-2 green chillies chopped
Instructions
1. Heat a medium pot over medium-high heat. Heat oil and ghee and add the whole spices.
2. 1:01 Add onion and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté until the raw smell disappears, about 30 seconds.
3. Add beef and stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until it changes color.
4. Lower the heat and add the powdered spices and salt and sauté for about 20 seconds.
5. Carefully pour this beef mixture into your Crockpot or slow cooker.
6. Add the water and stir to mix. Cook on low for 8-10 hours (preferable) or high for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender. Cooking times will vary depending on your meat and slow cooker.
7. Toward the end of your cooking time, remove your whole spices and take out a cup of the liquid of the Nihari into a bowl. Let it cool a little by adding an ice cube to it. Place the atta in another bowl. Bit by bit, add the atta to Nihari liquid to form a smooth slurry. Slowly add this slurry back into the crockpot while stirring to prevent clumps. Let it cook for another 30-45 minutes. Serve hot with the garnishing and naan or sheermal.
Notes
*If you do not add the pre-made nihari masala, adjust the quantity of the other spices per taste. **Traditionally, atta is used to thicken the curry. I highly recommend you use it for an authentic taste. For a gluten-free option, see notes!
Source:
4 notes
·
View notes
A Journey Through The Aromas Of Pakistani Nihari - Easy Delicious Nihari Recipe
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.
So gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary prowess, and treat yourself to a taste of authentic Pakistani nihari that will leave you craving more.
0 notes