Yum, yum it’s haleem: City gets the Ramzan taste

Come Ramzan and Bangalore starts to witness a new frenzy. Shivaji Nagar, Frazer Town, Jayanagar, Johnson Market are a few areas where people throng to get a taste of the famous Hyderabadi Haleem. But unlike the numerous options available in Hyderabad, the city has started to explore this delicacy, only lately. So currently, the availability is limited. The main reason for this delicacy to struggle to find prominence in the city could be its signature dominance as a ritual after the day long fast during the holy month in Hyderabad. Making it commercial in small scale was prevalent in twin cities, but Bangalore took its time, but finally the wait seems to be over. The demand has increased dramatically over the years. 

While it was originated in Persian or the Arab world, its effective branding by Hyderabadis from the time of Nawabs and later from the local muslim community members, for over a decade, the popularity of Haleem is now spreading across the world. And it has been able to maintain its craving as Haleem is only available for one month.

How is it made?

Haleem is made of wheat, meat, ghee, lentils and spices. This dish is cooked at high temperatures and ground for seven to eight hours, which results in a paste-like consistency, blending the flavours of spices, meat 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.

Vegetarian Haleem

Trying to get more people indulge in eating Haleem, now there is a vegetarian variant too. Try Pista House in Frazer Town. A special recipe has been prepared and the same spices and seasoning are used for the vegetarian Haleem. But it is substituted with dry fruits instead of meat. Unfortunately keeping with the tradition, this will be available only till the end of Ramzan.

Did you Know?

Hyderabadi Haleem has got a patent. It has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in September 2010, which means that no other city can make or market the dish as Hyderabadi Haleem. This Business is a 100 crore market in Hydreabad alone. And many haleem makers still guard the secret ingredients. Hyderabadi Biryani is famous for historical reasons, but Hyderabadi Haleem got  recognition in the last one decade.

The small boxes with 330 grams will be sold for 120 rupees and family pack will cost `450 for this haleem which is cooked only with fire wood in low flame for 14 hours until it becomes paste