Haleem by Pista House Chaar Minaar

The world famous Chaar Minaar stands tall amidst Ramzan festivities in Hyderabad. 

For people who don't know much about this city, let me tell you there is no other festival celebrated like the way Hyderabad celebrates Ramzan.  

Chaar Minaar is the old Hyderabad city which is the center of Ramzan proceedings. The markets in old city are open all night glittering in the joy of festival. 

People from all over the city pour in to Chaar Minaar to enjoy not only the lights and the markets but to also try hands on Hyderabad's world famous Ramzaan special 'Haleem'.

Let me start with a brief history of this world famous dish. 

History: 

Haleem originated in the middle east and is prepared and enjoyed across India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey,Middle east, central Asia and Bangaladesh.This dish is popularly prepared during Ramzan and Muharram. 

Haleem is made of wheat, barley, meat (usually beef or mutton, but sometimes chicken or minced meat), lentils and spices. This dish is slow cooked for seven to eight hours, which results in a paste-like consistency, blending the flavors of spices, meat, barley and wheat.

Although a high-calorie dish, Haleem is full of nutrition as the whole wheat, barley, lentils and meat combined together form an excellent source of fiber and protein.

Haleem at Pista House, Chaar Minaar, Hyderabad

 This picture is of the Pista House in the heart of the city. This is the original restaurant which has hundreds of outlets across the city. But Haleem at the original outlet in Chaar Minaar is unparalleled.

This picture has been taken at mid - night can you can see the crowd. 

The Haleem

                   

Hyderabad boasts of its Haleem. Hearing so mush about the dish I finally land up at Pista House to try it myself. 

5 minutes into the order, my hot steaming fragrant Haleem is placed on my plate. Served in an Irani bone china bowl, I see a thick paste richly seasoned with crispy fried onions and garlic tadka in very generous amount of ghee. When served they also add freshly diced mint, coriander and few slice of lime to it. 

A dig into the dish and my mouth is full of riot of flavors. First thing that you notice will be the consistency of Haleem and then the garlic onion tadka mix with rest of the dish. 

Its a hide and seek game with chicken or mutton pieces when you have Haleem. they are put in small pieces with and without bone. which adds a bit of surprise element to the dish. 

It is important that you do not forget to add in some lemon drops to your dish before you eat it. 

I portion of Haleem is more than enough for one person as it is a very heavy and rish dish. 

I give Pista House Chaar Minaar Haleem 10 on 10 for this sumptuous Haleem!!

Happy Eating :)