Delicious Mutton Biryani Recipe
For Mutton Gravy
For Rice
For Layering & Garnish
Plan Ahead
Complete this step earlier to save time later.
- View Step 9Boil Rice30 minutes
Once the water boils, add 2 cups of Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes). Cook until the rice is 90% done. Strain the rice once cooked.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 5 swaps
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Yogurt?
- Sour cream (1:1)
- Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Fry Onions
Heat 1 cup of oil in a large pot. Add 4 large thinly sliced onions and fry on low heat until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove a portion of the fried onions for later use.
Sear Mutton
Add 500g of washed mutton to the remaining fried onions and oil. Fry for until the mutton changes color.
Add Ginger-Garlic-Chili Paste
Add 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic-green chili paste and until the raw smell disappears.
Add Spices
Add whole spices (1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 small nutmeg, 1 small cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 4-5 cloves, 1 black cardamom), 1 tablespoon red chili flakes, 1 tablespoon red chili powder, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon garam masala, and 0.5 tablespoon black pepper. Mix well and for .
Incorporate Yogurt
the flame to low and add 1 cup of yogurt. Mix thoroughly to combine with the mutton and spices.
Add Tomatoes
Add 4 chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Do not add extra water at this stage.
Add Biryani Masala & Pressure Cook
Add 2 tablespoons of biryani masala and mix well, cooking for . Then, add 1 glass (approx. 250ml) of water and pressure cook for approximately until the mutton is tender.
Prepare Rice Water
In a separate large pot, add water for boiling rice. Add whole spices (1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 small cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 4-5 cloves, 1 black cardamom), 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon oil, and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Cover and bring to a rolling boil.
Boil Rice
Once the water boils, add 2 cups of Basmati rice (soaked for ). Cook until the rice is 90% done. Strain the rice once cooked.
First Layering
In a clean large pot, spread a layer of the prepared mutton gravy at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the 90% cooked rice over the gravy. Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander and mint leaves over the rice.
Second Layering
Add another layer of mutton gravy over the rice. Then, add the remaining 90% cooked rice on top. Spread chopped fresh coriander and mint leaves again.
Final Toppings & Dum
Sprinkle the reserved fried onions over the rice. Drizzle a few drops of yellow/orange food color. Arrange lemon slices and tomato slices on top. Cover the pot tightly and cook on very low flame for for dum ().
Serve Biryani
After , open the lid. Gently mix the biryani from bottom to top to combine the layers without breaking the rice grains. Serve hot and enjoy!
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