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
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
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, lemon juice, and oil.
- Add the mutton pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Add cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, bay leaf, and salt.
- Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until 70% done (grains should be firm when pressed).
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mutton
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pan.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.
- Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes, cook until soft.
- Add the marinated mutton, mix well, and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- 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
- In a large pot, spread a layer of cooked mutton masala at the bottom.
- Add a layer of cooked rice on top.
- Sprinkle the reserved fried onions, saffron milk, and kewra water over the rice.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Slow Cooking)
- Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal with dough to trap the steam.
- Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Gently mix the biryani before serving.
- Serve hot with raita, boiled eggs, or a simple salad for a delicious meal!