Yummy haleem is now healthy too!

THE holy month of Ramzan has just started and the fragrance of mouth-watering Hyderabad Haleem has spread to every nook and corner of the state capital. The delicious dish which is available only during this holy month, is a hot favourite of Muslims who consume it after breaking the fast. It is equally popular among Hindus. In fact, one can find more number of Hindus than Muslims at Haleem counters in the evening to relish this nutritious dish, which has already earned the patent from the Geographical Indicator Registry of India.

However, the Haleem makers in Hyderabad are worried about the drop in sales this year. Not because the price of Haleem has gone up from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per a plate of 350 gms due to rising prices of ingredients — mutton, wheat, ghee and dry fruits; but because this year, Ramzan has coincided with the “ Sravana Maasam,” the most auspicious month for the Hindus. During this month, even many die- hard non- vegetarian abstain from eating meat.

“ Nearly forty per cent of the consumers of Haleem are Hindus. So, there is a dip in the sales this season,” pointed out Mohammed Abdul Majeed, owner of famous food outlet Pista House and president of the Haleem Makers Association of Hyderabad. Secondly, there is also growing consciousness among youngsters about healthy food.

Since Haleem contains red meat and ghee — both high in cholesterol — many are avoiding it. “ Keeping this demand in view, we have introduced a new variety called ‘ Diet Haleem’ this season. This new variety has anti- ageing ingredients due to presence of natural antioxidants like dry fruits. Consumers will feel more energetic and young.