
Mutton Biryani
Fragrant and flavorful mutton biryani with tender meat, basmati rice, and aromatic spices.
30 mins
Prep Time
1 hour 30 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 500g mutton, cut into pieces
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp biryani masala
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
- 4 tbsp ghee or oil
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Marinate the mutton: In a large bowl, mix mutton pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, biryani masala, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Cook the mutton: Heat 2 tbsp ghee or oil in a pressure cooker. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add marinated mutton and cook for 5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and cook until the tomatoes are soft. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or until the mutton is tender.
Prepare the rice: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add soaked and drained rice, salt, and cook until the rice is 70% done. Drain the water and set aside.
Layer the biryani: In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread a layer of cooked mutton at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the chopped coriander and mint leaves. Add a layer of partially cooked rice on top. Drizzle saffron milk and remaining ghee. Repeat the layers.
Dum cooking: Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal with dough to trap the steam. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Gently fluff the biryani with a fork, ensuring the layers remain intact. Garnish with fried onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves. Serve hot with raita or salad.
Chef's Tips
- Marination Time: For best results, marinate the mutton overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Rice Texture: Ensure the rice is only 70% cooked before layering to prevent it from becoming mushy during dum cooking.
- Saffron Substitute: If saffron is unavailable, use a pinch of turmeric for color.
- Sealing the Pot: Use aluminum foil or a damp cloth under the lid to ensure no steam escapes during dum cooking.
- Resting Time: Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle.