Pakistani Haleem Recipe
Slow-cooked Pakistani haleem made with beef, wheat, barley and mixed lentils, finished with fried onions, ginger, lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients for Pakistani Haleem
- 750 g beef, boneless or shank pieces
- 1 cup cracked wheat
- ¼ cup barley
- ¼ cup chana dal
- ¼ cup masoor dal
- ¼ cup moong dal
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp haleem masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and cooking oil
- Fried onions, ginger, coriander and lemon for serving
How to Make Pakistani Haleem
- Wash the wheat, barley and lentils, then soak them for 1 hour.
- Cook the grains and lentils in plenty of water until very soft.
- In another pot, fry onions, add ginger-garlic paste, beef and spices, then cook until the beef is tender.
- Shred the cooked beef and return it to the masala.
- Blend or mash the cooked grains until thick and smooth, then combine them with the beef mixture.
- Cook on low heat, stirring regularly, until the haleem becomes glossy and stretchy.
- Serve hot with fried onions, julienned ginger, coriander and lemon.
Helpful Notes for Pakistani Haleem
Read the full method before starting, measure the ingredients, and complete any chopping, soaking or marinating first. This makes Pakistani Haleem easier to cook and helps every stage finish at the right time.
Brown the beef in batches and give it enough gentle cooking time to become tender. Add extra water only when needed, and reduce the gravy at the end so the finished dish stays rich and full-flavoured.
Beef dishes often taste even better after resting. Refrigerate cooled leftovers in a covered container, then reheat slowly with a little water until the meat and gravy are evenly hot.
Pakistani Haleem Cooking Tips
- Brown the meat in batches so it develops flavour instead of steaming in the pan.
- Use gentle heat and allow enough time for tougher cuts to become tender.
- Add extra water only when needed so the finished gravy stays rich rather than thin.
Questions About Pakistani Haleem
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. Reduce or increase the chilli to suit your household, while keeping the other spices in balance so the dish remains aromatic.
What should I do before I start cooking?
Read the full method once, measure the ingredients, and prepare any chopped items first. This makes the steps easier to follow and helps the dish cook evenly.