Introduction: List of Pakistani Food
The list of Pakistani food is a delightful fusion of Central Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern influences. Known for its deeply spiced curries, aromatic rice dishes, sizzling kebabs, and rich stews, it reflects the diversity of its regions—from the hearty meals of Punjab to the fiery flavors of Sindh, the subtle dishes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the savory delights of Baluchistan.
1. Chicken Biryani
Ingredients:
* 2 cups basmati rice
* 500g chicken (bone-in)
* 1 cup yogurt
* 2 onions (sliced)
* 2 tomatoes (chopped)
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* ½ tsp turmeric
* 1 tsp red chili powder
* 1 tsp garam masala
* Whole spices (2 cardamoms, 4 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf)
* Fresh mint & coriander leaves
* Saffron in milk
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. We will add all spices to the rice and boil it until 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, fry onions until golden. Remove half for layering.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, chicken, tomatoes, yogurt, and spices. Cook until oil separates.
4. Layer rice over chicken, and add fried onions, mint, coriander, and saffron milk.
5. Cover tightly and steam on low for 20 minutes.
6. Gently mix before serving. Pair with raita or salad.
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2. Nihari (Slow-Cooked Beef Stew)
Ingredients:
* 1 kg beef shank (nihari cut)
* 1 cup fried onions
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* 1 tbsp nihari masala or mix of red chili, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, clove
* 4 tbsp atta (whole wheat flour)
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. Heat oil, sauté ginger-garlic paste.
2. After the heat is high, then we will add beef and sear.
3. Add spices and water to cover meat. Simmer on low for 5–7 hours.
4. Mix atta in water, and add to gravy for thickening.
5. Garnish with ginger slices, green chilies, and lemon.
6. Best served with naan.
3. Haleem (Spiced Lentil & Meat Stew) From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g beef or chicken
* ½ cup cracked wheat (daliya)
* ¼ cup: chana dal
* ¼ cup: masoor dal
* ¼ cup: moong dal
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* 1 tsp: red chili powder,
* 1 tsp: coriander powder,
* 1 tsp: garam masala
* 1 cup fried onions
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. Soak wheat and lentils for 4 hours. Boil separately until soft.
2. Cook meat with spices until tender, then shred.
3. Blend lentils and mix with shredded meat.
4. Simmer together until thick and creamy.
5. Top with fried onions, ginger, lemon, and coriander.
4. Chapli Kebab From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g ground beef
* 1 onion (finely chopped)
* 1 tomato (finely chopped)
* 2 tbsp crushed pomegranate seeds
* 1 egg
* 2 tbsp cornflour
* 1 tsp red chili flakes,
* 1 tsp salt,
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tsp coriander seeds
* Green chilies, coriander
Recipe:
1. Leave it to rest for 35 minutes after mixing all ingredients.
2. Shape into flat patties.
3. Shallow-fry in oil on medium heat until crisp.
4. Serve hot with naan and chutney.
5. Chicken Karahi From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g chicken
* 3–4 tomatoes (chopped or blended)
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* 2–3 green chilies
* 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garam masala
* Salt, oil
* Fresh coriander, ginger slices
Recipe:
1. Heat oil, sauté garlic paste, add chicken, and fry until lightly browned.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
3. Add spices and green chilies. Cook until chicken is tender.
4. Garnish with coriander and ginger.
5. Serve with naan or chapati.
6. Sarson Ka Saag (Mustard Greens Stew) From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 1 bunch mustard greens (sarson)
* 1 bunch spinach
* 2 green chilies
* 2 tbsp makki ka atta
* Garlic, salt
* Butter or ghee
Recipe:
1. Boil greens with green chilies and garlic until soft.
2. Blend into a coarse puree.
3. Cook with maize flour to thicken.
4. Serve with makki di roti and white butter.
7. Aloo Gosht (Meat and Potato Curry) From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g mutton or beef
* 2 potatoes (cubed)
* 2 onions (sliced)
* 2 tomatoes (chopped)
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* 1 tsp: red chili powder
* 1 tsp: turmeric
* 1 tsp: coriander
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. After adding meat, garlic paste, and onions, fry it until golden.
2. Add tomatoes and spices. Cook until oil separates.
3. After adding water until the meat is tender, simmer it.
4. Add potatoes and cook until soft.
5. Serve with roti or rice.
8. Seekh Kebabs (Grilled Minced Meat) From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g minced meat
* 1 onion (finely chopped)
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* 2 green chilies, coriander
* 1 tsp garam masala, red chili flakes
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. Rest for 30 minutes after including all ingredients.
2. Mold onto skewers into sausage shapes.
3. Grill or pan-fry until fully cooked.
4. Serve with lemon and mint chutney.
9. Shami Kebab (Meat & Lentil Patties) From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g beef or chicken
* 1 cup chana dal
* 1 onion, mint, coriander
* Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom
* 1 egg
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. Boil meat and dal with whole spices until water evaporates.
2. Grind into a paste, and mix in herbs.
3. After forming them into patties, we’ll dip them in egg and deep-fry them.
4. Perfect for sandwiches or as a snack.
10. Chicken Korma (Creamy Chicken Curry) From List of Pakistani Food
Ingredients:
* 500g chicken
* 1 cup yogurt
* 1 cup fried onions
* 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
* Whole spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves
* ½ tsp turmeric
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1 tsp garam masala
* Salt, oil
Recipe:
1. Sauté whole spices in oil, add chicken, and brown.
2. Add garlic paste, then yogurt and blended onions.
3. Cook until thick and oil separates.
4. Add garam masala and serve with naan.
