Hyderabadi Haleem Recipe That You Can Try for Iftar
The aroma of haleem simmering gently on the stove is a reminder that Iftar is near. This dish has been part of Ramadan meals for generations. It first arrived in India as a simple meat and wheat stew called Harees. But in Hyderabad, it evolved. With local lentils, bold spices and hours of slow stirring, it became the rich and comforting haleem we now know and love.
Making haleem from scratch might sound like a lot for one meal. However, once the pot is on the stove and the flavours begin to build, there’s something calming about it. It’s the kind of dish that brings people into the kitchen, gets passed around in ladles and disappears quickly from every bowl. Among all the Ramzan recipes out there, this one has a way of turning effort into something deeply satisfying. So, let us learn how to make it.
Ingredients You Will Need to Make Hyderabadi Haleem
Looking for Ramadan dishes? Try Hyderabadi haleem. It is authentic and flavourful. For that, you would need:
Grains and Lentils
- 1 cup broken wheat (dalia)
- 2 tbsp chana dal
- 2 tbsp moong dal
- 2 tbsp urad dal
- 2 tbsp masoor dal
- Water, as needed for soaking and cooking
Meat and Marinade
- 1 kg mutton (preferably with bones)
- ¾ cup curd
- 2 tbsp Catch Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Catch Turmeric Powder
- 1½ tbsp Catch Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Catch Garam Masala
- Salt to taste
Whole Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 green cardamoms
- 1 black cardamom
- 6–8 black peppercorns
- 4 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp of Catch jeera (whole)
Cooking Essentials
- ½ cup Ksheer Ghee
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh mint and coriander leaves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fried onions and cashews for garnish (optional)
Method
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Grains
Wash all lentils and broken wheat thoroughly. Soak them together for at least 4 hours. Once soaked, cook them with enough water until completely soft. If using a pressure cooker, 3 to 4 whistles should be enough. After cooking, mash everything into a thick, smooth paste and set it aside.
Step 2: Marination
In a large bowl, take the following ingredients and mix them together:
- 1 kg mutton (preferably with bones)
- ¾ cup curd
- 2 tbsp Catch Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Catch Turmeric Powder
- 1½ tbsp Catch Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Catch Garam Masala
- Salt to taste
Once this is done, let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Heat Ksheer Ghee in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Add bay leaves, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns and whole jeera. Let the spices release their aroma, then add the onions. Sauté until golden brown. Add the marinated meat and cook on a high flame for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember that you need to stir well. Then, add a little water to cover and cook until the meat is tender. Use a pressure cooker for faster results if needed.
Step 4: Shred and Combine
Once the meat is fully cooked and soft, remove bones, if any and shred the meat. Add the mashed grain-lentil mix to the meat. Stir everything together slowly and patiently. Keep the flame low and continue stirring to avoid lumps or burning at the bottom.
Step 5: Simmer to Finish
Cook the combined mixture for about 40 to 45 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes. The texture should become thick and smooth. At this stage, add chopped coriander, mint, lemon juice and a spoonful of Ksheer Ghee for that finishing touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fried onions, fried cashews and a drizzle of warm Ksheer Ghee. Serve it hot with lemon wedges, naan or enjoy a bowl as it is.
Flavours Your Family Will Remember
Haleem brings a sense of comfort to the Iftar table. It’s a dish many families look forward to during Ramadan. This is because it feels familiar, filling and full of flavour. It has become a trusted part of Ramadan recipes in many homes.
Using quality ingredients like Catch spices and Ksheer Desi Ghee makes a clear difference. The flavours come through better and the dish is sure to feel richer and more balanced. For anyone planning their Iftar meals, Hyderabadi haleem is a choice that always feels right.