Homemade Beef Nihari Recipe

 Makki Madni Catering

Here's a basic recipe for Beef Nihari. This rich, flavorful stew is a classic in Pakistani and Indian cuisine, traditionally cooked overnight to tenderize the meat and develop the flavors. Please remember to adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams Beef Shank (Nihari cut)

• 3 tablespoons Nihari Masala (Available at South Asian grocery stores or online)

• 2 tablespoons Wheat Flour (Optional, for thickening)

• 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Ghee

• 2 Onions, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon Ginger Paste

• 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste

• Salt to taste

• 4-5 cups of Water

• Freshly chopped Cilantro, Ginger slices, Lemon wedges, and Fried onions for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cleaved onions and sauté until they become brilliant brown.
2. Add the ginger and garlic paste to the pot and cook until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add the Nihari masala to the pot and sauté for a couple of minutes until it's well mixed with the onions and ginger-garlic paste.
4. Add the beef shanks to the pot and cook until they are brown on all sides. This will take about 5-10 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste and then add the water. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 6-8 hours. You can also use a slow cooker or a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time. The goal is to cook the meat until it's tender and the flavors are well combined.
6. Optional: if you prefer a thicker stew, mix wheat flour with a little water to make a paste. Add this paste to the pot and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, ginger slices, lemon wedges, and fried onions before serving. Nihari is typically served with naan or rice.

Enjoy your Beef Nihari!

Note: 

            The cooking time is long due to the traditional preparation method. The result is incredibly tender meat and a deep, flavorful stew. However, if you are short on time, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the Nihari in less time. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to your pressure cooker's instructions.