History Behind The  Hyderabadi Haleem

HyderabadiBiryani doesn’t need any introduction,however,Hyderabadi Haleem does need a little bit of introduction,although not to the people of Hyderabad but to those who are far away from Hyderabad.

As is so far claimed by many great historians,the Hyderabadi Haleem for sure has originated in Saudi Arabia but it garnered all it’s popularity and perfection only in Hyderabad.This amazing non vegetarian delicacy,with a G I status now,is enjoying global recognition today.

Although there is no specific data available to establish the credentials of its origin,it is however believed that Haleem is being served for many centuries during the breakfast or dinner time in the royal palaces of Saudi Arabia..

Since it is very rich in spices,proteins,minerals,carbohydrates and essential fatty acids-Haleem is not only being consumed,by the Arab Sultans,for it’s rich aromatic taste but also for it’s amazing aphrodisiac qualities.

The Nizam rulers of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of the erstwhile Hyderabad state were the wealthiest people in the world,during the times of the two world wars, and were known more prominently for their extravagant lifestyle and their enchanting passion for a variety of rich and aromatic foods.

Haleem

These Nizams used to specially hire expensive cooks from far off places like Afghanistan,Iran and Saudi Arabia just for preparing some rare and spicy non vegetarian delicacies to be served to them during their lunch and dinner times.

These cooks,to please the Nizam’s family,used to prepare a variety of foods and delicacies like  Biryani,Kebabs and Haleem…And it is how the world famous G I tagged Hyderabadi Biryani was introduced to the city of Hyderabad followed much later by Haleem.

Initially Hyderabadi Haleem was meant to be served only to the royal families of Hyderabad but with the passing of time it gradually gained huge popularity by making it’s entry into the common man’s house of Hyderabad.

Haleem is a rare delicacy made of pounded Goat meat and in some cases Sheep meat…Apart from meat,Haleem also contains many rich spices that not only make Haleem an amazing delicacy to eat but also a very user friendly delicacy that offers many health benefits.

Ramadan is the most important festival for Muslims of the Islamic religion and Haleem is a specially made non vegetarian delicacy that’s served only during this holy month of Ramadan…

According to the Islamic calendar,the ninth month of the year is an auspicious month for all the Muslims around the world during which period,it is believed, the Holy Quran was revealed to humanity..

Hence,as a mandatory custom,most of Muslims all over the world observe strict fasting during the daylight hours of this holy month and in between the Sun rise time and the Sun set time of each day,they do not allow any food or even water touch their tongue..

Finally,after a prayer in the Mosque at the Sun set time,all the Muslims gather outside the Mosque and consume their favorite Haleem which thus becomes the first meal of their day..

Haleem,as is seen in the first photograph,is a kind of sticky substance that’s made of pounded meat to which pure ghee, lentil leaves, nuts,dry fruits and other rich spices are added just to give it that great taste,look and aromatic flavor.

And when all these ingredients are properly pounded together the final mix becomes Haleem,the tastiest and the most mouth watering delicacy on the planet…Irrespective of caste,creed and religion,Hyderabadi Haleem is by and large the most favorite delicacy of millions of people all over India.