Haleem as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Haleem is absolutely in that category. The warming and hearty quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. green cardamom does work that no substitute can replicate.

nihari was originally eaten after the fajr morning prayer as a slow-cooked overnight stew. There's something about the a Karachi biryani house context that reinforces the comfort effect. chai alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.