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Lamb Nihari

Lamb Nihari

by Nabeela Kauser
Slow-cooked tender lamb in rich spices and a deep, aromatic gravy that melts into every bite. This comforting lamb nihari brings that traditional flavour we crave—warm, hearty, and full of depth.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 8
Calories 824 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg Lamb leg or shoulder, large pieces
  • 200 ml Oil
  • 2 Onions
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri CHilli
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 50 g Nihari Masala
  • 2 litres Water
  • 1 handful Coriander
  • Ginger julienne for Garnish
  • 2 Bullet Chillies

For The Slurry

  • 100 g Flour
  • 150 ml Water

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until hot.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown. Remove the onions and set them aside.
  • Place the lamb pieces into the same oil and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat changes colour and starts to brown slightly.
  • Return the fried onions to the pot, then stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes to remove the raw aroma.
  • Sprinkle in the salt, Kashmiri chilli, and Nihari masala. Stir well and let the spices cook for 2–3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
  • Pour in enough water to cover the meat completely, then mix thoroughly.
  • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat becomes tender.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove any excess oil that rises to the top and set it aside for later use as garnish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour with water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps. Gradually pour the slurry into the Nihari while stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
  • Let it cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes on low heat, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Finish by garnishing with the reserved oil, fresh coriander, ginger julienne, green chillies, and a wedge of lemon before serving hot.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 824kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 33gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 426mgPotassium: 526mgFibre: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 219IUVitamin C: 27mgVitamin D: 0.2µgCalcium: 71mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Curry, Eid, Food, Lamb, Masala, Mutton, Nihari, Recipe
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