Rich, hearty, and brimming with flavor, haleem is much more than just a dish. It’s a culinary celebration of slow-cooking and spices. Popular during Ramadan and other festive occasions, this savory stew is a wholesome blend of lentils, grains, and meat simmered to perfection. The texture is creamy, the spices are warm, and each spoonful is a nourishing, soul-satisfying experience.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special gathering or just craving comfort food, haleem is the perfect way to bring people together at the dinner table.
PREP TIME
Soaking time for lentils and grains: 2-4h (or overnight)
Chopping vegetables and marinating meat: 15-20 mins
COOK TIME
Meat: 45 mins to 1h
lentils and grains: 45 mins to 1h
Simmering and blending: 30-45 mins
TOTAL TIME
Prep time: 2-4 hours
Cook time: 2-2.5 hours
Ingredients:
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect haleem:
- 1/2 cup wheat (soaked overnight)
- 1/4 cup yellow split peas (chana dal)
- 1/4 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
- 1/4 cup green lentils (moong dal)
- 500g boneless chicken, beef, or mutton (choose as per preference)
- 1 large onion (sliced and fried)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 4-5 green chilies (chopped)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges and fried onions for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 8-10 cups of water or broth
Variation of haleem recipe Idea
Traditional Haleem Recipe: A Savory Delight for the Soul
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup wheat (soaked overnight)
- 1/4 Cup yellow split peas (chana dal)
- 1/4 Cup red lentils (masoor dal)
- 1/4 Cup cup green lentils (moong dal)
- 500 Gram boneless chicken, beef, or mutton (choose as per preference)
- 1 Large onion (sliced and fried)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powde
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 4-5 tsp green chilies (chopped)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges and fried onions for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 8-9 cups water or broth
Notes
- Vegetarian Haleem: Skip the meat and load up on extra lentils and vegetables for a plant-based version.
- Chicken Haleem: Use chicken for a lighter, quicker-cooking version of the classic.
- Oats Haleem: For a healthier twist, replace wheat with oats for added fiber and nutrition.
Variations of Haleem Recipe:
- Vegetarian Haleem: Skip the meat and load up on extra lentils and vegetables for a plant-based version.
- Chicken Haleem: Use chicken for a lighter, quicker-cooking version of the classic.
- Oats Haleem: For a healthier twist, replace wheat with oats for added fiber and nutrition.