Mutton Nihari is a signature dish in South Asian cuisine, renowned for its rich flavors, slow-cooked tenderness, and aroma that tantalizes the senses. Traditionally served in restaurants specializing in Mughlai or Pakistani cuisine, it’s a dish that, despite its complexity, can be recreated in your home kitchen with a few key techniques and ingredients.
Whether you’re craving your favorite restaurant’s deep, aromatic flavors or wish to impress guests with an authentic homemade meal, cooking restaurant-style Mutton Nihari at home is easier than you think. Here’s how you can achieve that luxurious taste and texture in your kitchen.
What Is Mutton Nihari?
Mutton Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made with mutton (goat or lamb), infused with a blend of spices, and cooked until the meat becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender. The word Nihari originates from the Arabic term Nahar, meaning “day,” as this dish was traditionally eaten as a breakfast after morning prayers. Over time, Nihari has become a popular main course served at lunch or dinner, enjoyed with naan or paratha.
The secret to an outstanding Mutton Nihari lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the spices to fully infuse into the meat, creating a gravy rich in flavor and depth.
Mutton Nihari
4
servings30
minutes4
hoursMutton Nihari is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked stew that originated in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the Mughlai kitchens. It is known for its deep, aromatic spices and tender, succulent mutton. Here's an overview of how it's prepared and what makes it unique:
Ingredients
1 kg mutton,
3 onions, sliced,
1/2 cup cooking oil,
1 tablespoon chopped ginger,
1 tablespoon chopped garlic,
Salt to taste,
1 teaspoon red chili powder,
1 teaspoon turmeric powder,
1 teaspoon cumin powder,
2 teaspoons coriander powder,
2 tablespoons mix masala,
2 tablespoon yogurt,
lemongrass,
green chili.
Directions
Clean the mutton bones and leg.
2. Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder, and cook for a minute.
4. Add the mutton to the pot and stir well so the spices coat the meat. Cook the mutton until it changes color and is seared on all sides.
5. Add the ground spices, bay leaves, and wheat flour to the pot and stir well. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat and let the nihari simmer until the meat is tender and the gravy is thickened, stirring occasionally.
7. This can take 2-3 hours in a pot or 30-40 minutes in a pressure cooker. Add the nihari masala to the pot and stir well.
8. Cook for a few more minutes until the spices are well combined and the gravy is thickened.
9. Garnish the nihari with julienned ginger and fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with warm naan bread or steamed rice.
10. Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style mutton nihari!
Key Characteristics:
- Rich and Hearty: Nihari has a thick, luscious gravy packed with robust flavors.
- Slow-Cooked: The slow-cooking process is key to tenderizing the meat and melding the flavors.
- Spice-Forward: The dish is aromatic and spiced, but not necessarily overly spicy.
Serving Suggestions
For a spicy kick, serve your Mutton Nihari hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves, mint, julienned ginger, and green chilies. Accompany it with lemon wedges and enjoy with fresh naan or paratha to soak up the rich, flavorful gravy.
For an authentic restaurant-style experience, serve Nihari in deep, wide bowls and pair it with crispy, warm naan straight out of the tandoor. Adding a side of chilled yogurt raita or a simple cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the curry’s robust flavors.
Making restaurant-style Mutton Nihari at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the rich, deep flavors of this classic dish without having to step out of your kitchen. With the right ingredients and some patience, you can recreate a dish that rivals the best Mughlai restaurants. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a weekend treat, Mutton Nihari is a dish that will surely impress and satisfy.
Enjoy the sumptuous flavors of a traditional mutton curry in the comfort of your home, and take pride in bringing a taste of gourmet dining to your dinner table!
