Haleem

We had Zone Conference on Thursday and then did some practicing for conference. After our practice some of us went to Paradise Hotel for Haleem. That's Elder & Sister Nielson from Paradise Utah that are sitting next to me. Across from us you see starting at the far end...Shaker Boddu, Madhu, Shilpa, Hema and Sirisha. It was the first Haleem for us ever!!

Hyderabad is known for its Haleem which is available only during Ramadan. It is a mainstay during the Holy month of Ramadan.

It's a wheat porridge that got it's start in Iran. The Muslim people will fast from dawn to dusk and then eat Haleem. It's only available after 6 p.m. and they say it gives you Energy and is very healthy for you.

I found a recipe and I'm adding it to the blog...Good Luck!!!!
Haleem
Ingredients
2 lbs Boneless pieces of Lamb
3 cups Cracked wheat
4tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
1 cup Mixed lentils [urad daal,chana daal]
1tbsp Red Chilli powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1 n 1/2 cup Yougurt
1 cup Golden n Crisp fried onions [ the readymade brands available in the market can be used,if you want to save time]
1/2 cup Cashew nuts
1 tsp Garam Masala powder[1 tsp shahi zeera,2-3 cardamom,2-3 cloves and 1" cinnamon stick...blend into a fine powder]
1/2 tsp Black Pepper corns
Whole spices- 1" cinnamon stick, 2-3 cloves,2-3 cardamom
1/2 cup Ghee
Fresh Herbs- 1 cup fresh coriander, 1/4 cup fresh mint and 5-6 green chillies
Salt to taste
1/2 cup oil.
How to make Hyderabadi Haleem

1.First wash and soak the cracked wheat for atleast 1/2 hour.Then wash and clean the lamb thoroughly,trimming off any excess fat.

2.Mix the lamb with 1tbsp of Ginger-Garlic paste, 1/ tsp of salt,Red chilli powder,1/2 tsp Garam masala powder and 1/4 tsp tumeric

3.Pressure cook the lamb on high for 8-10 min[ or until 3 whistles] and then simmer for another 15-20 min.After it cools down...shred n keep aside.

4.Boil the cracked wheat along with the mixed lentils,1tbsp ginger-garlic paste,1/4 tsp turmeric powder,3-4 green chillies,1/2 tsp black pepper corns in 8-10 cups of water until its cooked completely and the water is almost absorbed by the wheat.

5. Put this wheat in a blender and pulse for a few seconds.[ in 2-3 batches] .Remove and keep aside.

6.Heat the oil in another container add the whole spices,the cooked and shredded lamb,remaining green chillies, 1/2 cup fresh coriander and saute for a 2-3 min.

7. Add the Yoghurt and saute for another 10- 15 min or until a lil oil starts to float on top.

8.Add 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.

9.Add the cooked Wheat and mix well...adding a little bit of Ghee at a time.Do Check the salt and add if needed.

10. Let it simmer for atleast 1/2 hour...keep stirring in between. Serve hot Garnished with fried onions, cashew nuts and fresh Coriander. It can also be enjoyed with FRESH NAAN.

I understand it takes most of the day to make this...So if anyone tries it...let me know!!! We liked it and will probably go back for Haleem once more before the season is over.

It's a happy little group!! These are some of our dear friends!!! Aren't they cute???? And they were so excited about HALEEM NIGHT!!!!

Sirisha is the sweet girl that got accepted to Utah State. I'm so excited! We had to remain neutral in her decision to go or not to go...but once she decided and was accepted...I have to say I was jumping up and down. We love her so much!!!

Elder Nielson with "The Cat that Ate the Canary!" We always tell Shaker that he looks like the guy who just did something that he shouldn't have done!! Vani is visiting his family in Rajahmundry. Shaker's brother Mahesh got his mission call yesterday. He was called to this mission!! Mahesh was the first person to call and wish me Happy Mother's day last year. I will never forget how fun that was. He called early in the morning just to tell me that! I adopted him after that!!!

Shilpa, Hema and Sirisha. Good people....good friends!!!

I'll finish by saying we really liked the Heleem. We would have it again...but we are more fond of the Biryani at Paradise! We had Haleem last night...followed by Biryani. The Nielson's were in agreement with us! Best Biryani in town!!!