Easy Slow Cooker Nihari (Pakistani Meat Stew)
This Easy Slow Cooker Nihari recipe takes less than 30 minutes of prep time but does not compromise on the authentic taste of this traditional Pakistani lamb/Beef Stew! Layers of flavor in every bite!
Course Main CourseCuisine PakistaniDiet HalalKeyword Instant Pot Nihari, slow cooker nihari Prep Time 30 minsCook Time 8 hrsTotal Time 8 hrs 30 mins Servings 4Calories 437Author Izzah Cheema
Ingredients
Whole Spices
1/2 piece of a small star anise
1-2 small bay leaves
1 inch piece cinnamon stick
Ground Spices
2-3 whole cloves ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle
2-3 green cardamom pods seeds removed and ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle
1/2 tsp fennel seeds ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle
1/2 tsp paprika powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4-1/2 tsp Asian red chilli powder or cayenne
1/4 tsp crushed red chilli flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder (optional)
pinch nutmeg
1/2 tbsp Nihari Masala Powder
Nihari
1/3 cup canola or other neutral oil
1 tbsp ghee or butter
1 large onion thinly sliced
5-6 garlic cloves crushed
3/4- inch piece ginger crushed
1 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
1/4 cup atta flour
3 1/2 - 4 cups water
1 lb lamb/beef stew or shank pieces - about 1 1/2 inch cubed
Garnishings
crispy fried onions
1 inch piece ginger julienned
1 lemon sliced
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
1-2 green chillies chopped
Instructions
Heat a medium pot over medium-high heat. Heat oil and ghee and add the whole spices.
Add onion and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté until the raw smell disappears, about 30 seconds.
Add beef and stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until it changes color.
Lower the heat and add the powdered spices and salt and sauté for about 20 seconds.
Carefully pour this beef mixture into your Crockpot or slow cooker.
Add the water and stir to mix. Cook on low for 8-10 hours (preferable) or high for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender. Cooking times will vary depending on your meat and slow cooker.
Toward the end of your cooking time, remove your whole spices and take out a cup of the liquid of the Nihari into a bowl. Let it cool a little by adding an ice cube to it. Place the atta in another bowl. Bit by bit, add the Nihari liquid to the atta to form a smooth slurry. Slowly add this slurry back into the crockpot while stirring to prevent clumps. Let it cook for another 30-45 minutes. Serve hot with the garnishing and naan or sheermal.
Notes
*If you do not add the pre-made nihari masala, adjust the quantity of the other spices per taste. **Traditionally, atta is used to thicken the curry. I highly recommend you use it for an authentic taste. For a gluten-free option, see notes!


Nutrition
Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 857mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 231IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 4mg