Nihari

Instructions

1. 1 Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Fry the sliced onions for twelve to fifteen minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized to a dark mahogany brown. This slow, patient onion browning is the foundation of nihari's rich, dark sauce.
2. 2 Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the browned onions. Stir for two minutes until fragrant. Add the beef shank pieces and sear on all sides for five minutes, letting the meat brown against the hot pot for maximum flavour development.
3. 3 Pour in eight cups of water and add the nihari masala and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to the lowest possible simmer. Cover tightly and cook for four to six hours, or overnight on the absolute lowest heat. Traditional nihari simmers through the entire night.
4. 4 After the long cooking, the meat should be so tender it falls off the bone with no effort. The marrow should have melted out of the bones into the sauce, adding body and richness. Remove the bones, leaving the soft marrow pieces in the stew.
5. 5 Whisk the wheat flour into the half cup of water until completely smooth. Pour this slurry slowly into the simmering nihari while stirring constantly. This thickens the sauce to its signature velvety, slightly gelatinous consistency. Simmer for fifteen more minutes.
6. 6 The finished nihari should have a deep brown, glossy sauce that coats the tender, shredded meat. The consistency should be thick enough to eat with bread but still flowing. Taste and adjust salt and spice levels one final time before serving.
7. 7 Serve the nihari in deep bowls with a pool of hot oil on top. Garnish generously with fresh julienned ginger, sliced green chilies, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with fresh, hot naan bread for tearing and dipping into the rich, spiced sauce.