Haleem Masala Gosht
A rich and hearty stew made with slow-cooked meat (beef or lamb), wheat, barley, and lentils, pounded to a thick, porridge-like consistency. Haleem is a labor of love, known for its complex flavors and comforting texture, often served during special occasions and Ramadan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef or Lamb (bone-in or boneless)(cut into small pieces)
- 0.5 cup Wheat berries
- 0.5 cup Barley
- 0.5 cup Yellow lentils (Chana Dal or Masoor Dal)
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1.5 tsp Red chili powder(adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tbsp Whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf)
- 0.5 cup Oil or Ghee
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
- for garnish Fried onions
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the wheat berries and barley thoroughly. Soak them in plenty of water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- 2
Rinse the lentils and set aside.
- 3
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat oil/ghee over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half the onions for garnish and set aside.
- 4
Add the meat pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
- 5
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, whole spices, and salt. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 6
Drain the soaked wheat and barley and add them to the pot. Add the rinsed lentils and enough water to cover everything by at least 2-3 inches. Bring to a boil.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and the grains are completely broken down. Stir occasionally and add more hot water if needed to prevent sticking.
- 8
Once the meat and grains are very tender, use a sturdy whisk or a hand blender (carefully) to mash and blend the mixture until it reaches a thick, porridge-like consistency. This process can take about 15-20 minutes.
- 9
Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to thicken further if necessary.
- 10
Serve hot, garnished with the reserved fried onions, fresh cilantro, and lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the wheat and barley overnight is crucial for a shorter cooking time and better texture.
- ✓A pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time.
- ✓The pounding/blending stage is key to achieving the characteristic haleem texture. Be patient!
- ✓Haleem often tastes even better the next day.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken instead of beef or lamb for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious flavor.
- Some variations include adding a touch of kewra water (pandan extract) for aroma.