Summertime in Pakistan is the perfect time to enjoy some of the country's best dishes. From traditional curries to fragrant grilled kebabs, there are so many delicious options to choose from. 

If you're looking to spice up your summer menu, try out these five mouthwatering Pakistani dishes. Not only will they tantalize your taste buds, but they'll also give you a taste of the diverse cuisine that Pakistan has to offer.

1) Haleem

Haleem is a popular dish in Pakistan, particularly during the summer months. It is a combination of lentils, wheat, and meat that is slow cooked for hours, giving it a thick texture and hearty flavor. It is served with chopped coriander, ginger, lemon juice, chilies, and fried onions. 

It is usually accompanied by naan, chapatti, or even rice. This traditional Pakistani dish can be found all over the country, from restaurants to street vendors. It's a great source of protein and an excellent way to keep cool during the hot summers!

2) Nihari

Nihari is a traditional Pakistani dish that’s typically served as a breakfast meal, but can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s a slow-cooked beef or lamb stew, made with a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, cardamom, and chili powder. It's usually served with freshly-baked naan bread or chapati.

Nihari is believed to have originated in the city of Delhi in India, and it was brought over to Pakistan by the Mughal Empire. This dish has been enjoyed for centuries, and remains a popular choice for many people in Pakistan. 

The meat used for nihari is usually cooked overnight in an earthenware pot known as a handi. This slow-cooking method ensures that the flavors of the spices penetrate deep into the meat. The stew is often garnished with ginger slices, fresh coriander leaves, and lemon juice. 

Nihari is best enjoyed with a side of hot naan bread or chapati. It can also be served over plain boiled rice or even with paratha. Some people like to add a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) to their nihari to give it an extra richness. 

If you’re looking for a delicious Pakistani dish to enjoy this summer, look no further than nihari!

3) Chicken Tikka

Chicken tikka is a popular Pakistani dish that is perfect for summer. It is made by marinating chunks of chicken in a mix of spices and yogurt, then grilling them over a charcoal fire. The end result is juicy and flavorful, and the combination of spices gives it a unique and delicious flavor.

Chicken tikka can be served as a main dish or as part of an appetizer spread. When served as an entrée, it is usually served with naan bread and a side of raita. Chicken tikka can also be served with a variety of accompaniments such as chutney, kachumber, pickles, and green chilies.

Chicken tikka is relatively easy to make, and requires very few ingredients. All you need is chicken, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, lemon juice, and some oil. 

Mix all the ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least four hours before cooking it. Once the chicken is ready to be cooked, place it on the grill or in a tandoori oven and cook until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve the chicken tikka hot with naan bread, raita, and your favorite accompaniments. This delicious dish will become a summer staple in your home in no time!

4) Mutton Curry

Mutton curry is one of the most popular dishes in Pakistan and is especially loved during the summer months. It is a hearty, flavourful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The recipe typically calls for succulent mutton pieces to be cooked in a spiced tomato based sauce and served with either chapatis or rice.

To begin, the mutton should be marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste and lemon juice for at least an hour. This will ensure that the meat absorbs the flavours of the marinade and will result in a tastier finished dish.

The next step involves frying onions and whole spices in oil until they become lightly browned. To this, add the marinated mutton pieces, along with chopped tomatoes, chilli powder and garam masala. Simmer until the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Once the curry is ready, you can serve it hot with either chapatis or steamed rice. For an added twist, sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander leaves on top before serving.

Mutton curry is best enjoyed with family and friends and is sure to please even the most picky eaters. Enjoy this delicious dish this summer and keep your family’s taste buds happy!

5) Kheer

Kheer is a traditional and popular dessert in Pakistan. It is a sweet pudding made of rice, sugar, and milk. It is flavored with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes dry fruits such as raisins, cashews, and almonds. Kheer is usually served chilled as an after-dinner dessert or for special occasions such as weddings and festivals. It can also be served warm or hot.

To make Kheer, the rice needs to be soaked in water for about 15 minutes before being cooked in a pan with some milk and sugar. Once the rice is cooked, the rest of the ingredients such as cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits are added in and cooked until the kheer thickens. The kheer is then cooled down before serving.

Kheer is a healthy and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It is especially popular in the summer season due to its cooling effect on the body.

Whether you are looking for something sweet to end your meal or for a light snack, kheer is sure to hit the spot. Try it out today and enjoy a delicious bowl of kheer!

FAQS

Q: What is Haleem?

A: Haleem is a popular Pakistani dish made from wheat, barley, lentils, and meat. It is cooked slowly on low heat and is usually served with naan or roti. 

Q: What is Nihari?

A: Nihari is a stew-like curry made with beef shank, bone marrow, and various spices. It is usually slow cooked over low heat until the beef shank falls off the bone and the gravy thickens.

Q: What is Chicken Tikka?

A: Chicken Tikka is a popular Pakistani dish made with marinated pieces of chicken that are then roasted in a clay oven (tandoor). The marinade typically contains yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and other spices. 

Q: What is Mutton Curry?

A: Mutton Curry is a traditional Pakistani dish made with goat or lamb meat that has been marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a gravy with onions, tomatoes, and garam masala.

Q: What is Kheer?

A: Kheer is a traditional Pakistani dessert made with milk, rice, sugar, and nuts. It is cooked slowly until it has a creamy texture. It can be flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water.