Reshmi Haleem
Reshmi Haleem is a luxurious and creamy version of the traditional Pakistani haleem, known for its smooth texture and rich flavor. It features slow-cooked meat (typically beef or chicken) blended with wheat, barley, and lentils, resulting in a comforting and deeply satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef shank or boneless beef(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup Wheat kernels(soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup Barley(soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup Chana dal(soaked for 2 hours)
- 1/4 cup Masoor dal(soaked for 2 hours)
- 1/4 cup Moong dal(soaked for 2 hours)
- 2 tbsp Urad dal(soaked for 2 hours)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup Yogurt(plain)
- 1/2 cup Ghee or oil
- 8-10 cups Water(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1-2 tsp Red chili powder(adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Garam masala powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- Whole spices for broth(e.g., bay leaves, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns)
- For garnish(fried onions, fresh cilantro, julienned ginger, green chilies)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meat: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add the beef pieces and sear them on all sides until browned. Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and the whole spices for the broth. Stir well to coat the meat.
- 2
Add water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- 3
Prepare the grains and lentils: While the meat is cooking, combine the soaked wheat, barley, and all the soaked lentils in a separate pot. Add enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until very soft and mushy. This may take 1-2 hours, depending on how long they were soaked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 4
Combine and cook: Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks or a meat mallet. You can also blend the grains and lentils slightly with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency, but be careful not to over-process. Add the shredded meat back into the pot with the cooked grains and lentils. Add the yogurt and mix well. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for another 1-1.5 hours, until the haleem reaches a thick, creamy, and well-combined consistency. Add more water if it becomes too thick.
- 5
Temper the haleem (optional): In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil. Add a pinch of red chili powder and swirl for a few seconds. Pour this tempering over the haleem.
- 6
Serve hot, garnished with fried onions, fresh cilantro, julienned ginger, and green chilies.
💡 Tip: For a smoother haleem, blend the cooked grains and lentils with an immersion blender. Ensure the meat is exceptionally tender before shredding. Adjust the consistency by adding water as needed during the final cooking stage.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the wheat and barley overnight is crucial for a tender haleem.
- ✓Shredding the meat finely contributes to the 'reshmi' (silky) texture.
- ✓Constant stirring during the final cooking stage prevents sticking and ensures a smooth consistency.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add a tablespoon of rose water in the final stages for a floral aroma.