Beef Nihari is one of Pakistan’s most beloved dishes—a slow-cooked, flavorful stew made with tender beef and a rich, aromatic gravy. Traditionally eaten as a breakfast dish, Nihari is slow-cooked for hours to develop its deep, complex flavors. The dish is thickened with wheat flour, giving it a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with naan or paratha.
The slow cooking process allows the meat to become fall-apart tender, while the blend of spices, including garam masala and nutmeg, gives Nihari its signature taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 kg beef (bone-in)
- ½ cup oil or ghee
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp Nihari masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp wheat flour (mixed with water)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Meat
- Heat oil in a large pot, add onions, and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and beef, cooking until browned.
Slow Cook the Nihari
- Add Nihari masala, red chili powder, salt, and water. Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Gravy
- Stir in the wheat flour mixture and cook until the gravy thickens.
Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh coriander, ginger slices, and lemon.
Beef Nihari is a quintessential dish in South Asian cuisine, renowned for its rich flavors and succulent texture. This stew is prepared by slow-cooking beef shanks and marrow bones for several hours in a broth seasoned with a complex blend of Nihari spices, including cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. The slow simmering not only tenderizes the meat but also allows it to absorb the aromatic spices, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and deeply comforting.
The magic of Beef Nihari lies in its final preparation stage, where it is typically finished with a flourish of ghee-infused spice tempering that adds an additional layer of flavor. Served with a garnish of fresh ginger, green chilies, and lemon wedges, Beef Nihari transforms into a festive dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weekend brunch. Pair it with freshly baked naan or fluffy basmati rice to enjoy a complete, satisfying meal that is a celebration of rich culinary traditions.
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