Whole30 Nihari

Dive into the rich and aromatic world of "Whole30 Nihari," a health-conscious twist on the traditional South Asian slow-cooked stew. This hearty recipe swaps out conventional ingredients for Whole30-approved staples like ghee, coconut aminos, and coconut flour—making it both compliant and deliciously indulgent. Tender beef shanks simmer for hours in a deeply spiced broth infused with a homemade nihari spice mix, caramelized onions, garlic, and ginger. The dish is thickened with a coconut flour slurry and finished with a vibrant garnish of fresh cilantro, green chilies, and lemon slices for a zesty kick. Perfect for cozy meals, this gluten-free and paleo-friendly nihari pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or a simple side salad for a wholesome, comforting experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef shanks, cut into pieces
• 1 cup ghee
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons Nihari spice mix (see note below)
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 4 cups water or bone broth
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut flour
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 pieces green chilies, sliced
• 1 whole lemon slices

Directions

Step 1

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the ghee over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 4

Add the nihari spice mix and coconut aminos, stirring for 1 minute to mix the spices well with the aromatics.

Step 5

Introduce the beef shanks to the pot, searing them on each side until well browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the water or bone broth, ensuring the beef is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer slowly for about 3 to 4 hours until the meat becomes tender and easily falls off the bone.

Step 8

Remove a few tablespoons of the broth and let it cool slightly, then mix in the coconut flour to form a smooth paste.

Step 9

Stir the paste back into the pot to thicken the nihari, and let it cook for another 15 minutes.

Step 10

Season with salt to taste, and adjust the consistency of the sauce as needed with additional water or broth.

Step 11

Garnish the nihari with chopped cilantro, sliced green chilies, and serve with lemon slices on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2522.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4252.4

Total Fat 328.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 185.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1365.7mg	0%
Sodium 6425.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.2g
Protein 244.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 251.4mg	0%
Iron 28.6mg	0%
Potassium 3668.0mg	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: 71.1%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 5.4%