Haleem boom keeps Ghotnee makers busy

Across the city, special haleem “bhattis” (traditional cooking kilns) are being constructed. These bhattis feature large containers in which the dish is cooked for hours.

An essential tool in the preparation of haleem is the ghotnee, a wooden masher used to blend the ingredients into a smooth consistency. The ghotnee is crafted in two pieces and comes in different sizes, ranging from one to seven feet tall. Mohammed Anwar, a seasoned craftsman, who has been running his ghotnee shop in the Old City for over three decades, said, “Most hotels in the twin cities place their orders in advance. Large outlets buy around 100 pieces of the seven-foot ghotnee. Each haleem bhatti typically requires two to four of these mashers.”

Since haleem requires prolonged cooking and mashing, the process is physically demanding. “Mashing the cooked ingredients takes over three hours, requiring immense strength. The ghotnee must be sturdy, with a strong grip, and made of wood, as it can withstand the heat generated during cooking,” he explained.

Mohammed Mahbub, a second-generation ghotnee-maker, highlighted the craftsmanship required in making these tools. “We use two different types of wood – one for the head and another for the handle – to ensure durability and efficiency,” he explained. “A large ghotnee costs between Rs 400 and Rs 500, while smaller ones for domestic use are priced around Rs 200,” he added.