Vegan Nihari

Experience the comforting warmth of Vegan Nihari, a plant-based twist on the classic Pakistani stew. This rich and aromatic recipe features tender shredded jackfruit and hearty chickpeas, simmered in a deeply spiced broth infused with cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. A touch of flour thickens the stew to perfection, while garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing finish. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty vegan dish delivers all the bold flavors and satisfying textures of traditional Nihari—without any animal products. Perfect for cozy nights or special occasions, serve it with naan or rice for a soul-soothing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans canned young jackfruit
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 inches fresh ginger
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 lemon

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Use your hands to shred the jackfruit into smaller pieces, resembling pulled meat.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion. Peel and mince the ginger and garlic.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

Step 4

Add the minced ginger and garlic to the pot and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the bay leaf, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir the spices with the onion mixture, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors.

Step 6

Add the shredded jackfruit and cooked chickpeas to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and spice mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with water to create a smooth slurry.

Step 9

Gradually add the flour slurry to the simmering pot, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will thicken the stew slightly.

Step 10

Continue to cook the Nihari on low heat for an additional 10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 12

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2497.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1594.1

Total Fat 58.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4767.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 234.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.1g	0%
Total Sugars 41.3g
Protein 53.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 590.0mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 5426.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.5%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 55.8%