Javed Nihari - The Spicy and Delicious Pakistani Dish

Javed Nihari - The Spicy and Delicious Pakistani Dish

Javed Nihari is a popular Pakistani dish that is known for its rich flavor and spicy aroma. It is a slow-cooked beef stew that is made using a blend of various spices and served with naan bread. In this article, we will take a closer look at Javed Nihari, its history, ingredients, recipe, and health benefits.

History of Javed Nihari

Javed Nihari originated in the city of Karachi in Pakistan. It is named after its creator, Haji Muhammad Javed, who started serving this dish in the 1950s. He used to sell it in the early morning hours as a breakfast item, and it soon gained popularity among the people of Karachi. Today, Javed Nihari is a popular dish not only in Karachi but also throughout Pakistan and in Pakistani restaurants all over the world.

Ingredients of Javed Nihari

The main ingredient of Javed Nihari is beef shank or beef brisket, which is slow-cooked for several hours until it becomes tender and falls off the bone. The other key ingredients include:

• Onions

• Ginger and garlic paste

• Tomatoes

• Red chili powder

• Cumin powder

• Coriander powder

• Turmeric powder

• Garam masala powder

• Salt

• Lemon juice

Recipe for Javed Nihari

Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Javed Nihari at home:

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef shank or brisket

• 2 onions, finely sliced

• 3 tbsp ginger and garlic paste

• 3 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tbsp red chili powder

• 1 tbsp cumin powder

• 1 tbsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp garam masala powder

• Salt to taste

• 4-5 tbsp cooking oil

• 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions for Making Javed Nihari at Home

1. Heat the oil in a large pot or pressure cooker.

2. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown.

3. Add the ginger and garlic paste and fry for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.

5. Add the beef shank or brisket and mix well with the onion and tomato mixture.

6. Add the red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste.

7. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

8. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil.

9. Cover the pot or pressure cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

10. Once the meat is cooked, add the lemon juice and mix well.

11. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan bread.

To Make The Perfect Javed Nihari, here are a few tips that can help:

1. Use quality beef: The quality of the beef you use will have a significant impact on the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Look for beef shank or brisket that is fresh and has a good amount of fat marbling.

2. Take your time: Javed Nihari is a dish that requires patience and time. Cook it on low heat for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

3. Use freshly ground spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices instead of pre-packaged ones. Toasting the whole spices before grinding them can also help to bring out their flavor.

4. Don't skimp on the onions: Onions are a key ingredient in Javed Nihari and help to add depth of flavor to the dish. Don't be afraid to use a lot of onions in your recipe.

5. Serve it hot: Javed Nihari is best served hot, so make sure to heat it up properly before serving.

Best Location of Javed Nihari

The original Javed Nihari restaurant is located in the bustling area of Burns Road in Karachi. It was founded in the 1970s by a man named Haji Mohammad Javed, who created a recipe for a unique and flavorful nihari that quickly became popular among the locals.

Today, Javed Nihari has expanded to many other locations throughout Karachi, as well as in other cities in Pakistan, such as Lahore and Islamabad. However, the original Javed Nihari restaurant on Burns Road is still a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In addition to the original Javed Nihari restaurant, there are now many other restaurants and street vendors that serve their own versions of this delicious dish. However, many people still consider the original Javed Nihari to be the best, and it continues to attract crowds of hungry customers every day.

If you're a fan of Pakistani food, a visit to the original Javed Nihari restaurant in Karachi is a must. You can taste the authentic flavors and experience the rich history of this beloved dish firsthand.

Health Benefits of Javed Nihari

Javed Nihari is a rich source of protein and iron, which are essential for building and repairing muscles and for maintaining healthy blood cells. It also contains various spices that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. However, Javed Nihari is a high-calorie dish that should be consumed in moderation, especially by those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

FAQs

1. What is the origin of Javed Nihari?

• Javed Nihari originated in the city of Karachi in Pakistan.

2. What are the main ingredients of Javed Nihari?

• The main ingredients of Javed Nihari are beef shank or brisket, onions, ginger and garlic paste, tomatoes, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt, and lemon juice.

3. Is Javed Nihari a healthy dish?

• Javed Nihari is a rich source of protein and iron, but it is also a high-calorie dish that should be consumed in moderation.

4. What is the best way to serve Javed Nihari?

• Javed Nihari is typically served with naan bread or roti, and garnished with chopped coriander leaves and sliced ginger.

5. Can Javed Nihari be made with chicken instead of beef?

• Yes, Javed Nihari can be made with chicken instead of beef, but the cooking time may vary.

Conclusion

Javed Nihari is a delicious and spicy Pakistani dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It has a rich history and is made using a blend of various spices that give it its unique flavor and aroma. While it is a high-calorie dish, it is also a good source of protein and iron. If you have never tried Javed Nihari before, we highly recommend giving it a try.