Haleem Khas
A rich and complex slow-cooked stew made with wheat, barley, and various types of meat (beef or chicken), pounded to a thick, porridge-like consistency and infused with aromatic spices. This version emphasizes a more refined and deeply flavored profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Wheat berries(soaked overnight)
- 0.5 cup Barley(soaked overnight)
- 1 kg Beef or Chicken(boneless, cut into small pieces)
- 3 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp Ginger paste
- 2 tbsp Garlic paste
- 4 medium Tomatoes(pureed)
- 1 cup Yogurt(plain, full-fat)
- 0.5 cup Ghee or Oil
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1-2 tsp Red chili powder(adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tsp Garam masala
- 4-5 Green cardamom pods
- 3-4 Cloves
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
- 0.5 cup Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh mint(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lemon wedges
- for garnish Fried onions
- for garnish Green chilies(slit)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked wheat and barley. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the wheat, barley, meat, sliced onions, ginger-garlic paste, pureed tomatoes, yogurt, ghee/oil, turmeric, coriander, cumin, red chili powder, salt, whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves), and about 6-8 cups of water. Stir well to combine.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for at least 6 hours, or until the wheat, barley, and meat are very tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally, adding more hot water if the mixture becomes too dry. The consistency should be thick and porridge-like.
- 3
Once tender, remove the whole spices. Using a sturdy whisk, immersion blender, or a traditional 'ghotni' (a wooden mallet), vigorously mash and blend the haleem until it achieves a smooth, homogenous, and thick porridge consistency. This process can take 30-45 minutes.
- 4
Add garam masala and stir well. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to meld and the haleem to thicken further. Adjust salt if needed.
- 5
To serve, ladle the hot haleem into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh coriander, fresh mint, fried onions, and slit green chilies. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the wheat and barley overnight is crucial for even cooking and a smoother texture.
- ✓The longer the haleem simmers, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
- ✓Vigorous pounding or blending is key to achieving the characteristic smooth consistency of haleem.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies according to your spice preference.
- ✓Haleem is often made with beef, but chicken can be used for a quicker cooking time.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more lentils like chana dal and masoor dal, and extra vegetables.
- Some recipes include a small amount of chana dal (split chickpeas) for added texture and flavor.
- A touch of kewra water (pandan extract) can be added in the final stages for an aromatic lift.