Nihari Pakistani Stew

Dive into the rich, aromatic world of traditional Pakistani cuisine with this Nihari Stew, a slow-cooked masterpiece brimming with bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. Featuring bone-in beef shank or lamb shank simmered for hours in a fragrant blend of Nihari spices, this dish boasts a luscious, silky broth thickened with a wheat flour slurry for the perfect consistency. The golden-brown sautéed onions, ginger-garlic paste, and ghee add depth, while garnishes of fresh cilantro, julienned ginger, and a squeeze of tangy lemon elevate every bite. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, Nihari pairs beautifully with warm naan or paratha, offering an authentic culinary experience straight from the heart of Pakistan. With its rich history, comforting flavors, and irresistible aroma, this iconic stew promises to be a highlight of any mealtime spread.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 kilograms Beef shank (bone-in) or lamb shank
• 0.25 cup Ghee or clarified butter
• 2 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Ginger-garlic paste
• 3 tablespoons Wheat flour
• 8 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Nihari spice mix (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger (julienned for garnish)
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)
• 2 pieces Green chilies (sliced, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the beef or lamb shank pieces to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly seared.

Step 5

Mix in the Nihari spice mix and salt, ensuring the meat is coated evenly with the spices.

Step 6

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Slow cooking is key to tender meat and flavorful broth.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the wheat flour with 0.5 cups of water to create a smooth slurry, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 8

Once the meat is tender and falling off the bone, slowly drizzle the flour slurry into the pot while stirring to thicken the stew. Continue to cook for another 20 minutes to achieve a silky, rich consistency.

Step 9

Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, julienned ginger, and green chilies (if desired). Pair with naan or paratha and lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3949.1 grams (3949.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4001

Total Fat 242.00g	310%
Saturated Fat 112.20g	561%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1352mg	451%
Sodium 6268mg	273%
Total Carbohydrate 67.70g	25%
Dietary Fiber 13.30g	48%
Total Sugars 15.50g
Protein 370.60g	741%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 445mg	34%
Iron 44mg	243%
Potassium 5220mg	111%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.4%

Protein: 37.7%

Carbs: 6.9%