Mutton Biryani Recipe

Mutton Biryani is a rich and aromatic dish made with tender mutton pieces, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of traditional spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this biryani is full of deep flavors and is a favorite for special occasions. The marinated mutton is slow-cooked until tender, then layered with flavorful rice and cooked on dum (slow cooking) to enhance its taste. Serve it with raita, boiled eggs, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Mutton Biryani Recipe

Mutton Biryani Recipe

Ingredients

For Marination

  • 500g mutton (bone-in)
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt (as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons oil

For Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 2-3 green cardamoms
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Cooking

  • 4 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 2 onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 green chilies (slit)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon biryani masala
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ cup mint leaves (chopped)
  • ½ cup coriander leaves (chopped)
  • A pinch of saffron (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
  • 1 tablespoon kewra water (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Mutton

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, lemon juice, and oil.
  2. Add the mutton pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Add cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, bay leaf, and salt.
  2. Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until 70% done (grains should be firm when pressed).
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Mutton

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pan.
  2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.
  3. Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes, cook until soft.
  4. Add the marinated mutton, mix well, and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup of water, cover, and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles (or simmer in a pot for 40-50 minutes until the mutton is tender).

Step 4: Layer the Biryani

  1. In a large pot, spread a layer of cooked mutton masala at the bottom.
  2. Add a layer of cooked rice on top.
  3. Sprinkle the reserved fried onions, saffron milk, and kewra water over the rice.
  4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 5: Dum Cooking (Slow Cooking)

  1. Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal with dough to trap the steam.
  2. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Gently mix the biryani before serving.
  2. Serve hot with raita, boiled eggs, or a simple salad for a delicious meal!