Mutton Nihari A rich and slow-cooked stew made with tender mutton, bone marrow, and aromatic spices, traditionally served as a breakfast dish
Mutton Nihari is a rich and flavorful stew that has its origins in the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally served as a breakfast dish, especially in the Mughal era, it has become a beloved meal throughout India and Pakistan. The dish is known for its slow-cooked mutton, which becomes incredibly tender, and its deep, aromatic flavors from a blend of spices. Nihari is often enjoyed with naan or roti and garnished with fresh herbs, ginger, and lemon juice.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg mutton (bone-in pieces)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 tablespoon wheat flour (atta)
- 2 tablespoons Nihari masala (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 liters water (or enough to cover the meat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh ginger, julienned (for garnish)
- Green chilies, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté the Onions:
- Heat ghee or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Cook the Mutton:
- Add the ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté for another minute.
- Add the mutton pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Add Spices:
- Stir in the Nihari masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the mutton evenly with the spices.
Simmer the Stew:
- Add water to the pot, ensuring that the mutton is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally, and add more water if necessary.
- The longer the stew simmers, the more tender and flavorful the mutton will become.
Thicken the Gravy:
- In a small bowl, mix the wheat flour with a little water to form a smooth paste.
- Add this paste to the stew, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will help thicken the gravy.
Finish the Dish:
- Add lemon juice to the stew and mix well. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, ginger juliennes, and green chilies.
Serve:
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 250g):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Proteins: ~25g
- Carbs: ~8g
- Fiber: ~2g
Nutritional Summary:
Mutton Nihari is a high-protein dish with a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the mutton and ghee. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fiber. The dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and B vitamins from the mutton. Due to its slow cooking process and rich spice blend, Nihari offers a deep, satisfying flavor that’s both comforting and hearty