Lamb Nihari

Sharing is caring!

Lamb Nihari is one of the best curries on the planet!

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic lamb curry, then lamb nihari is one you must try! Go to any Pakistani or northern Indian restaurant and lamb nihari is almost certain to be on the menu.

The great thing about lamb nihari is that it is quite mild so it can be served to anyone. The curry is served with finely chopped fresh chillies, coriander (cilantro), lemon wedges and julienned ginger to spice it up at the table.

This curry, which is often made with beef in Pakistan, is delicious serve with fresh naans or chapatis. Although not as common, lamb nihari can also be served with Basmati rice. If you want to make this curry into a feast, I recommend trying it with chicken haleem, samosas and a good dal. 

What is lamb nihari?

This curry is normally prepared with lamb shanks. Shanks take a good few hours to cook and as they do, the bones flavour the sauce. Lamb nihari is often served at fancy restaurants on the bone but more common is for the meat to be taken off the bone and then served in that delicious sauce.

Lamb nihari sauce is quite thick as it is thickened before serving with gram flour. That together with the meat juice and spices make this a curry not to be missed!

How long does lamb nihari take to cook?

When cooking this curry with lamb shanks, you can plan on about 3 hours. As the lamb shanks simmer in the sauce, they become fall apart tender and it is so amazingly good!

Other cuts of lamb will cook faster but I really recommend trying this with lamb shanks. 

Working ahead

As lamb nihari takes a while to cook, you might want to get a head start. The great news is you can prepare this curry 2 – 3 days ahead of serving. As it sits in the fridge, the flavours will develop and your lamb nihari will be even better.

If you aren’t interested in cooking the whole curry ahead of time, you can at least grind and prepare the spice blend. Keep it in an air-tight container until ready to use. 

How long does this curry keep in the fridge?

You can store lamb nihari in the fridge for at least three days. Depending on how fresh the meat is that you use, you might be able to keep it for 5 days.

Can lamb nihari be frozen?

Yes. This curry freezes really well for up to six months.

How do you serve lamb nihari without the bones?

I know some people don’t like meat on the bone. Hopefully, you will still cook it on the bone as there is so much flavour in those bones!

If you would prefer not to serve your lamb nihari on the bone, Just transfer the lamb shanks to a plate to cool some. The remove the meat and add it back into the sauce.

Ensure your sauce and meat are piping hot before serving. 

PRO TIPS

1. Be sure to grind the spice blend very finely. It’s better that way.
2. Do not rush the cooking time. The lamb shanks are ready when they are tender so let them simmer until they are.
3. Be sure to serve your lamb nihari with all the different traditional sides such as lemon wedges, ginger, coriander (cilantro) and finely chopped chillies. They add so much to the flavour!

Step by step photos.