Hyderabadi Haleem
A rich and hearty slow-cooked meat and wheat porridge, traditionally pounded until incredibly smooth. A quintessential dish for Iftar during Ramadan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb(Bone-in shoulder or shank for richer flavor)
- 200 g Wheat berries (Dalia)(Soaked overnight)
- 100 g Ghee(For cooking and garnishing)
- 1 cup Fried onions (Birista)(Store-bought or homemade, for garnish)
- 3 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp Haleem masala(A blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and nutmeg. Can be store-bought or homemade.)
- 100 g Mixed lentils(A mix of chana dal, moong dal, masoor dal, and urad dal, soaked overnight)
- 8-10 cups Water(For cooking the meat and wheat/lentils)
- to taste Salt
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the wheat berries and mixed lentils thoroughly. Soak them separately in plenty of water overnight. Drain well before cooking.
⏱️ Overnight (soaking) - 2
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Add the ginger-garlic paste, haleem masala, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Add about 6 cups of water to the pot, ensuring the lamb is fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 3-4 hours, or until the lamb is exceptionally tender and falling off the bone. Skim off any impurities or excess fat that rises to the surface during cooking.
⏱️ 3-4 hours - 4
Once the lamb is tender, remove the bones and any large pieces of fat. Shred the meat finely using two forks or your fingers. If the meat is not tender enough, continue simmering.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
In a separate pot, combine the soaked and drained wheat and lentils with about 2-3 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the wheat and lentils are completely soft and mushy.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours - 6
Add the shredded lamb to the pot with the cooked wheat and lentils. Mix well. Now begins the intensive pounding process. Using a heavy pestle (kadhai ka hathoda) or a sturdy masher, pound the mixture vigorously for at least 30-45 minutes. The goal is to break down the grains and meat into a smooth, homogenous, porridge-like consistency. You can also use a food processor or blender in batches, but be careful not to over-process into a paste. The texture should be thick and creamy.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 7
Continue cooking the haleem over very low heat, stirring constantly, for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the consistency to thicken further. Add more ghee as needed for richness and to prevent sticking. The haleem should be thick but still pourable.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 8
Serve the Hyderabadi Haleem hot in bowls. Garnish generously with fried onions, a drizzle of melted ghee, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The pounding is crucial for achieving the signature silky smooth texture of haleem. A traditional heavy pestle is recommended, but a food processor can be used with caution.
- ✓The consistency should be thick and porridge-like, but still able to be spooned easily. Adjust with a little hot water if it becomes too thick.
- ✓Haleem is a labor of love and is often prepared in large batches for gatherings, especially during Ramadan.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in cuts of lamb.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Beef Haleem: Substitute lamb with beef shank or chuck roast.
- Chicken Haleem: Use boneless chicken thighs, which will cook faster.
- Vegetarian Haleem: Use a mix of grains and lentils with vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and spices.