Recipe: Shahi Haleem

Ingredients:

• 1 kg boneless pieces of Lamb
• 3 cups cracked wheat
• 2 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 cup mixed lentils (urad daal,chana daal)
• 1 tbsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup Yogurt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 4 cloves, ground
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp black pepper corns
• Whole spices  1 inch cinnamon stick, 2-3 cloves,2-3 cardamom
• 4 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 cup Ghee
• 1/2 cup oil
• salt to taste

For Garnishing:

• 4 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 4 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 3 green chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 cup golden and crisp fried onions
• 1/2 cup Cashew nuts

How to make Haleem:

• First wash and soak the cracked wheat for at least 1/2 hour.
• Then wash and clean the lamb thoroughly,trimming off any excess fat.
• Mix the lamb with 1tbsp of Ginger-Garlic paste, 1/ tsp of salt,Red chilli powder,1/2 tsp Garam masala powder and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder.
• Pressure cook the lamb on high for 8-10 min[ or until 3 whistles] and then simmer for another 15-20 min.
• After it cools down…shred and keep aside.
• Boil the cracked wheat along with the mixed lentils,1tbsp ginger-garlic paste,1/4 tsp turmeric powder,3-4 green chillies,1/2 tsp black pepper corns in 8-10 cups of water until its cooked completely and the water is almost absorbed by the wheat.
• Put this wheat in a blender and pulse for a few seconds.
• Remove and keep aside.
• Heat the oil in another container add the whole spices,the cooked and shredded lamb,remaining green chillies, 1/2 cup fresh coriander and saute for a 2-3 min.
• Add the Yoghurt and saute for another 10- 15 min or until a little oil starts to float on top.
• Add 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
• Add the cooked Wheat and mix well…adding a little bit of Ghee at a time.
• Do Check the salt and add if needed.
• Let it simmer for at least 1/2 hour…keep stirring in between.
• Then take into a serving bowl.
• Garnished with fried onions, cashew nuts and fresh Coriander and mint leaves.
• Haleem is ready to serve.
• Serve hot with naan!