Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Boil the Mutton

   In a pressure cooker, add 750g mutton, 1 tsp whole cumin seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 2 black cardamoms, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 5-6 slit green chilies, 1 inch julienned ginger, 4-5 garlic cloves, 5-6 green cardamoms, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp oil, and 2 cups water. Mix well and close the lid. Cook until the mutton is tender (approximately 20-25 minutes after the first whistle).

2. 2.Prepare the Rice

   Soak 500g basmati rice for 30 minutes. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 star anise, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 3-4 green cardamoms, 1 tsp whole cumin seeds, 3-4 cloves, juice from half a lemon, 1 tbsp salt, and 2 bay leaves. Add the soaked and drained rice and cook until it is 90% done.

3. 3.Make the Yogurt Mixture

   In a bowl, combine 1 cup yogurt, 1/4 tsp red food color, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste is formed.

4. 4.Prepare the Mutton Gravy

   In a large pot, heat 1/2 cup oil. Add 1 inch cinnamon stick, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 black cardamom, 3-4 cloves, 1 star anise, and 2 bay leaves. Sauté lightly. Add 5-6 slit green chilies and the boiled mutton. Stir in 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp yellow chili powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tbsp fennel powder, and 2 tbsp biryani masala. Mix well. Add the prepared yogurt mixture (ensure the flame is low to prevent curdling) and 1 tbsp green chili pickle. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates.

5. 5.Layer and Dum Cook the Biryani

   Once the mutton gravy is ready, layer the 90% cooked rice over it. Pour 1/2 cup mutton stock (akhni) over the rice. Dot with 2-3 tbsp ghee, sprinkle 1 tsp kewra water, red food color, green food color, and a generous amount of fried onions (birista). Cover the pot with a lid, preferably sealed with a cloth, and dum cook on a low flame for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and flavors are melded.

6. 6.Serve Aachari Biryani

   Gently mix the biryani from the bottom up to combine the mutton gravy and rice. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Aachari Biryani.