Published Sep 30, 2012 Updated Sep 12, 2024 I used to think Indian recipes were too difficult to make at home. You know, with all the intricate spices and long cooking times. But it is actually quite simple as long as you have a few key ingredients and some time to spare. In fact, this Indian-style beef stew made me fall in love with slow-cooking tough cuts of beef. You’ll get what I mean when you take that first bite! The three- to four-hour simmer yields tender chunks loaded with the rich, warm spices of the nihari stew. Impress everyone at your next Indian food night by making this recipe together with Chicken Biryani and Chicken Tikka Masala!
What Is Nihari
Nihari, sometimes called nihari gosht, is an Indian stew popular in the northern region of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The term “nihari” comes from the Arabic word nahaar meaning “morning.” Traditionally, this hearty, spicy stew is cooked slowly overnight and eaten as breakfast, especially during the colder months. It even became a staple of Mughal royal cuisine when nawabs (noblemen) started having it for breakfast after their morning prayer. What makes this beef shank stew so special is the nihari masala, a unique mix of spices that gives this stew its rich, robust flavor. You may also hear it referred to as nihari gosht, but that’s just a general term for red meat (beef, mutton, or lamb) commonly used for the dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients For Indian Beef Stew (Nihari) Ingredients For Nihari Masala See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Indian Beef Stew
Nothing tastes better than a homemade bowl of beef nihari loaded with tender meat, aromatic spices, and a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s not too difficult to make at home either, but it does require a long cooking time! The beef shanks, which are usually tough and chewy, become so tender and flavorful after being cooked for several hours in the gravy. And the longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop and intensify, making it worth the wait! Here’s how to make nihari at home:
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
Toast your fennel seeds, cardamom pods, and other whole spices in a dry pan before grinding them up. This step draws out their essential oils, intensifying the flavors of your Indian beef soup. While an Indian stew recipe is traditionally made with beef, goat and lamb are delicious alternatives. Other beef cuts like chuck, short ribs, oxtail, or brisket will work too. Dissolve the wheat flour in hot water before stirring it into the stew. This prevents clumps and creates a smooth, velvety gravy. If you’re short on time, make this nihari in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. However, make sure to use bone-in beef shanks to add more flavor and collagen to the broth. You can also add more spices to account for the shorter cooking time. Cook the beef stew on low-medium heat for a long time to achieve that signature velvety texture. The gelatinous marrow in the beef shanks will break down over time, making the stew extra rich and flavorful.
What To Serve With Beef Nihari
Nihari is usually served with traditional accompaniments like naan or roti (Indian flatbreads) or a bowl of steamed rice and lemon wedges. Pro tip: Make sure to add a little more water if the water starts to dry out too fast; there should be enough water in the pot to cover the meat. Pro tip: You can do this step up to 2 days in advance. Pro tip: If the stock is less than 3 cups, add water. For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
