Tasting haleem in the city

The month of Ramadan is here and come evening, the lanes in the Old City area of Bhopal are buzzing with food enthusiasts looking for iftar or the evening meal that marks the end of the day’s fast. While there are plenty of dishes ranging from samosas to falooda on offer, the most sought after delicacy remains the slow cooked haleem. Many make a beeline at city eateries to grab a plate of haleem.
“It is one of the healthiest dishes to consume after a day’s fast,” says Sajid Khan, owner of an outlet in Jehangirabad, about the dish made with meat, lentils and pounded wheat. “We have been serving haleem for over 10 years and ensure that its authentic taste isn’t disturbed. The preparation of haleem starts in the morning and winds up only at the end of the day,” Sajid adds.

Abdul Rehman, who owns an outlet near Lilly Talkies, says, “If it is to be made in a large quantity, three people are needed to keep stirring from time to time. The ingredients include chicken, barley, pulses, spices and ghee, because haleem is not made with oil. It is then garnished with fried onions, green coriander and mint.” Haleem finds its place on iftar menus owing to its fortifying nature. It is often made during community dinners, and accompanied with tandoori rotis or naan. Sohail Khan, a customer says, “I prefer having haleem with a naan and it’s a complete meal for me. A bowl of haleem is something I really look forward to during Ramadan.”
Anwar Khan, who has been serving chicken haleem for the past eight years, explains, “The dish is high in calories and provides instant energy with fast burning ingredients that are heavy and nutritious.” Fehriq Khan a customer and a haleem lover agrees, “When you have all the goodness of fibre from the wheat and pulses combined with slow cooked proteins, it is a healthy and a wholesome treat.” Another customer, Ahmad Khan says, “It’s too laborious to cook at home, so, we turn up in Jehangirabad to enjoy this dish after the day’s fast. The dish is very nutritious and a significant source of calcium.”
Needless to say, the demand for the dish shoots up during Ramadan and places that offer the dish believe that it is preferred due to its healthy ingredients. Mohammad Adil, who owns a restaurant in the Old City area says, “After fasting, one would want to go in for something that is not just satisfying, but healthy too. Those who fast suffer from weight loss, and haleem helps maintain weight too.” Served with fried onions, mint and a dash of lemon juice, a half plate of haleem is priced around Rs 40 a bowl.