Nalli Nihari Lamb Shank enjoy😘😋👍

Nalli Nihari (Lamb Shank) – Chef Avtar Singh Rana Style

A timeless Mughlai delicacy, Nalli Nihari is slow-cooked overnight until the lamb shank becomes meltingly tender and the marrow enriches the gravy with incredible depth and flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Lamb Shank

• 4 lamb shanks (about 2.5–3 lbs)
• 3 tbsp ghee
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup yogurt, whisked
• Salt to taste

Whole Spices

• 2 bay leaves
• 6 green cardamoms
• 2 black cardamoms
• 8 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp cumin seeds

Nihari Spice Mix

• 2 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp fennel powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• ½ tsp nutmeg powder
• ½ tsp mace powder

For Thickening

• 2 tbsp wheat flour
• ½ cup water

Garnish

• Fresh ginger juliennes
• Chopped cilantro
• Green chilies
• Lemon wedges

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Method

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottom pot.
2. Add whole spices and sauté until aromatic.
3. Add sliced onions and cook until deep golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add lamb shanks and sear on all sides.
6. Mix yogurt with all powdered spices and add to the pot.
7. Cook until the oil begins to separate.
8. Add 6–7 cups hot water and bring to a gentle boil.
9. Cover and simmer on very low heat for 4–5 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone.
10. Mix wheat flour with water to form a smooth slurry and add to the gravy.
11. Simmer another 20–30 minutes until silky and rich.
12. Adjust seasoning.

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Traditional Dum Finish

Cover the pot tightly and allow the Nihari to rest for 30–45 minutes on very low heat. This develops the authentic royal flavor.

Plating by Chef Avtar Singh Rana

• Place the whole lamb shank in a shallow brass or copper serving dish.
• Ladle the rich Nihari gravy around it.
• Garnish generously with ginger juliennes, cilantro, and green chilies.
• Serve with Khameeri Roti, Taftan, Sheermal, or freshly baked Naan.

“Slow-cooked to perfection, steeped in heritage, and served with pride — Nalli Nihari is the true celebration of royal Indian cuisine.” – Chef Avtar Singh Rana