Nihari Recipe from Pakistan

The national dish of Pakistan Nahari

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Nihari is a popular dish in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab and Sindh provinces. It is a slow-cooked meat stew with a rich and spicy flavour. Here is a recipe for beef nihari:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef shank, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons nihari masala (a spice blend commonly used in Pakistani and Indian cuisine)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

For the nihari masala:

• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon black cardamom pods
• 6-8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
• 1 teaspoon mace, ground
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

Instructions:

1. To make the nihari masala, heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add all the whole spices (cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, black cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves). Toast for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind until you have a fine powder. Add the ground spices (nutmeg, mace, turmeric powder, and red chili powder) and mix well. Set aside.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Add the beef shank pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Sprinkle the flour and nihari masala over the beef and stir to coat.

7. Add the salt and water and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender and the broth has thickened.

8. Add the lemon juice and cook for another 5 minutes.

9. Serve hot with naan or roti, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious beef nihari, a hearty and flavorful Pakistani dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a weekend meal.