Mutton biryani is a fragrant, flavorful, and hearty dish that combines tender meat, aromatic rice, and a blend of rich spices. This beloved dish is a favorite for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a mouthwatering mutton biryani that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the mutton marinade:
- 500 grams mutton (preferably bone-in pieces)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 2 tablespoons fried onions (optional)
For the rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
- Water for boiling
For the biryani preparation:
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2-3 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- Fresh mint leaves (a handful)
- Fresh coriander leaves (a handful)
- Saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
- 1 tablespoon rose water or kewra water (optional)
Preparing the Mutton Marinade
- Marinate the Mutton: Start by washing and cleaning the mutton pieces. In a large bowl, combine the mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, lemon juice, and fried onions. Mix everything thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 2-3 hours (overnight for better flavor).
Preparing the Rice
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and add the bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and salt. Add the rice and cook it until it’s about 70% cooked (the rice should still be firm). Drain the water and set the rice aside.
Cooking the Mutton
- Cook the Mutton: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil and ghee together. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove half of the onions and set them aside for garnishing.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices: To the remaining onions in the pot, add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Stir and cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Add the Marinated Mutton: Now, add the marinated mutton to the pot and cook it on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the meat becomes tender and the flavors are well combined. You can also add a little water if necessary to avoid the mutton sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Assembling the Biryani
- Layering the Biryani: Once the mutton is cooked, it’s time to layer the biryani. In the pot with the cooked mutton, spread half of the partially cooked rice over the mutton. Sprinkle a handful of fresh mint and coriander leaves, and drizzle some saffron milk and rose or kewra water. Then, layer the remaining rice on top.
- Final Cooking: Cover the pot tightly with a lid, and cook the biryani on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This process is known as “dum,” where the flavors meld together, and the rice becomes fragrant and fully cooked.
Serving the Mutton Biryani
- Serving: Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the rice grains. Garnish with the reserved fried onions, fresh mint, and coriander leaves. Serve the mutton biryani with a side of raita or a tangy pickle for the perfect meal.
Mutton biryani is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to every meal. With tender, flavorful mutton, perfectly cooked rice, and an aromatic blend of spices, this recipe will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress!
