Haleem

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Wikipedia

Haleem
Haleem is usually garnished with fried onions, coriander, and lime
Place of originMiddle East[1][2]
Region or stateSouth Asia, Central Asia, Middle East
Serving temperatureHot
Main ingredientsWheat, barley, lentils, meat
VariationsKeşkek, harisa, khichra
  •   Media: Haleem

Haleem or halim is a type of stew that is widely consumed in South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia. Although the dish varies from region to region, it optionally includes wheat or barley, meat and lentils. It is made by slow cooking the meat in lentils and spices. It is served hot with flat breads or on its own. Popular variations of haleem include keşkek in Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and northern Iraq; harisa in the Arab world and Armenia; halim in Afghanistan, Iran, West Bengal, Mauritius, Pakistan and Bangladesh; and Hyderabadi haleem in India.[2]

Preparation

Haleem lentils and grains

Haleem is made of four main components:

This dish is slow-cooked for seven to eight hours and then vigorously stirred or beaten with a pestle-like stirring stick. This results in a paste-like consistency, blending the flavors of spices, meat, barley, and wheat.

Origin

The origin of Haleem lies in the popular Arabian dish known as Harees (also written as Jareesh). According to Shoaib Daniyal, writing in The Sunday Guardian, the first written recipe of Harees dates back to the 10th century, when Arab scribe Abu Muhammad al-Muzaffar ibn Sayyar compiled a cookbook of dishes popular with the "kings and caliphs and lords and leaders" of Baghdad. "The version described in his Kitab Al-Tabikh (Book of Recipes), the world's oldest surviving Arabic cookbook, is strikingly similar to the one people in the Middle East eat to this day" it reported. The Harees was cooked as the Arab empire was extended to different parts of the world. Harees was traditionally made with meat, wheat, and sometimes lentils, slow-cooked until soft and porridge-like in consistency. The dish spread through the Muslim world, especially during the Islamic Caliphates, reaching Persia, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent through trade and conquest.[3]

History

The dish now known as haleem is believed to have been introduced to the Indian subcontinent through Arab traders, missionaries, and military expeditions, particularly between the 12th and 16th centuries. This period marked increased contact between the Middle East and South Asia, facilitated by maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea and overland connections through Persia and Central Asia.

One of the key phases in this transmission was during the Delhi Sultanate period (1206–1526), when Muslim rule was established across large parts of northern India. Arab and Persian cultural influences, including culinary practices, were introduced by the ruling elite, soldiers, and Sufi saints. Among these influences was harees, a meat and wheat porridge widely consumed in the Arab world.

During the Mughal Empire (1526–1857), which further strengthened Persianate culture in the Indian subcontinent, the dish continued to evolve. The imperial kitchens of the Mughals were known for adapting and refining foreign dishes using indigenous ingredients and spices. Harees gradually transformed into haleem, as local cooks incorporated South Asian spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; Clarified butter (ghee) for richness; A more finely blended texture, achieved through slow-cooking and mashing.

As a result, haleem in South Asia became spicier and more aromatic than its Arab counterpart, developing into a unique dish that reflected the regional palate.[3]

Cultural history

Haleem is sold as a snack food in bazaars throughout the year. It is also a special dish prepared throughout the world during the Ramadan and Muharram months of the Muslim Hijri calendar, particularly among Pakistanis and Indian Muslims.[4][5] Since the name of this dish is the same of one of the names of Allah, specifically Al Haleem, some South Asian Muslims have started to refer to this dish as "Daleem", reasoning that it is more correct since the South Asian version of this dish contains large amounts of dal, or lentils.[1] It is mostly still referred to as Haleem.

In India, haleem prepared in Hyderabad during the Ramadan month,[6] is transported all over the world through a special courier service. Haleem is traditionally cooked in large, wood-fired cauldrons.[7]

Bangladeshi style Shahi Haleem in Dhaka

Haleem is also very popular in Bangladesh, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when it is a staple dish.[8][9] However, the Bangladeshi version of halim differs from other areas slightly as the meat and bones are stewed and kept as small pieces instead of mashing them with the lentil soup. In addition, the variety of spices used is also different. One common Bangladeshi version of Halim is called "Shahi Halim"; it is mostly popular in the central part of the country.

In Pakistan, Haleem is available all year round, as well as in most Pakistani restaurants around the world. Haleem is sold as a snack food and street food in Pakistani bazaars throughout the year.[10][11]

It is a tradition among Persian Jews to eat haleem on Shabbat, since like other Shabbat stews such as cholent and hamin[12] it's a slow-cooked dish that can be prepared before the beginning of Shabbat and then cooked overnight at a low temperature.[13]

Karachi haleem

Karachi-style haleem shown in a purple plate

Karachi haleem [14] is a variation of haleem, a slow-cooked dish made from wheat, lentils, and meat, commonly prepared in Pakistan and other parts of South Asia. Originating from Karachi,[15] the largest city in Pakistan and the capital of Sindh province, this version is known for its smooth consistency and balanced use of spices. It is typically garnished with fried onions, lemon, ginger, and green chilies. Compared to other regional styles, Karachi haleem is often more finely blended and slightly spicier, reflecting local culinary preferences. Its popularity has grown both within Pakistan and among South Asian communities abroad, contributing to its recognition as a distinct regional variant of the dish.[14]

Hyderabadi haleem

Haleem has become a popular dish in the cities of Hyderabad, Telangana and Aurangabad, Maharashtra (Aurangabad, the first capital of Hyderabad State) in India. Originating from an Arabic dish called harees,[1] Haleem was introduced to the region during the Mughal period by foreign migrants.[16]

Hyderabadi haleem is usually thicker then many other haleems.

In 2010, Hyderabadi haleem was awarded Geographical Indication status by the Indian GI registry office. It became the first meat product of India to receive a GI certification.[17][18] This means that a dish cannot be sold as Hyderabadi haleem unless it meets the necessary standards.[19]

Khichra

Khichra

In the Indian subcontinent, both haleem and khichra are made with similar ingredients. In khichra, the chunks of meat remain as cubes, while in haleem the meat cubes are taken out of the pot, bones are removed, the meat is crushed and put back in the pot. It is further cooked until the meat completely blends with the lentils, wheat and barley mixture.[20]

Nutrition

A high-calorie dish, haleem provides protein from the meat and fibre and carbohydrates from the various combinations of grains and pulses.

Serving

Haleem can be served with chopped mint leaves, lemon juice, coriander leaves, fried onions, chopped ginger root or green chilies. In some regions of Pakistan, Haleem is eaten with Naan or with any type of bread or rice. In some parts of Uzbekistan it is served with sugar.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Daniyal, Shoaib (3 June 2019). "The haleem debate: Why some Indian Muslims are renaming the Ramzan delicacy 'daleem'". Scroll.in. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  2. 1 2 Daniyal, Shoaib (23 July 2014). "The history of haleem: How a bland iftar dish from Yemen got Indianised". sunday-guardian.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  3. 1 2 Haider, M. H. (31 March 2024). "The origins of haleem". The Daily Star. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  4. ↑ Goad, Meredith (8 July 2015). "Observing Ramadan: Maine family expresses faith by sharing traditional Pakistani dish". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  5. ↑ Srinivas, M. "City in for flavours of Haleem". The Hindu. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  6. ↑ Pathak, Sushmita (22 March 2023). "Breaking the Ramadan fast: In one city, a special stew with goat and rose petals". NPR. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  7. ↑ "In Hyderabad this Ramzan? Don't miss the Haleem!". Rediff. 18 August 2010. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  8. ↑ Khan, Arman R.; Mustabina, Labiba. "Iftar Offers You Can't Refuse". The Daily Star. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  9. ↑ "Celebrate Ramadan at Khazana". The Daily Star. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  10. ↑ Usman, Maryam; Yasif, Rana; Mukhtar, Muzaffar; Masood, Tooba; Khan, Hidayat; Ahmed, Shahzeb (9 November 2014). "Best Haleem in town". The Express Tribune. Karachi. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  11. ↑ Feerasta, Salima (27 October 2014). "The ultimate guide to: The best desi food in Karachi". Dawn. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  12. ↑ Haber, Joel (20 March 2022). "The Best Way to Make Chulent". Taste of Jew. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  13. ↑ Ingram, Susan C. (7 January 2022). "Stewing in the District with Vered Guttman". Washington Jewish Week. Mid-Atlantic Media. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  14. 1 2 express (6 December 2011). "For Haleem makers, the more you cook it, the better it tastes". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  15. ↑ Hasan, Shazia (12 October 2016). "Preparation of traditional haleem on eve of Ashura across Karachi". Dawn. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  16. ↑ Alikhan, Anvar (5 July 2015). "How haleem became the new biryani". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  17. ↑ "Hyderabad Haleem' gets Geographical Indication certification". Indian Council of Agricultural Research. 2010. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  18. ↑ "G.I Application Details" (PDF). Geographical Indications Journal. Government of India. 4 January 2011. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 December 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  19. ↑ "Culture:The original 'slow food' staple: A GI tag for the iconic Hyderabadi dish is reason to raise a toast". Mint and The Wall Street Journal. 10 September 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  20. ↑ "Mutton Gravy recipe". 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.

Further reading

  • Karan, Pratibha (1998). A Princely Legacy, Hyderabadi Cuisine. New Delhi: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-81-7223-318-1.