Traditional Mutton Biryani

Immerse yourself in the rich and aromatic world of Traditional Mutton Biryani, a timeless Indian classic that's perfect for special occasions or indulgent family meals. This recipe combines tender, marinated bone-in mutton simmered in a flavorful medley of biryani masala, aromatic whole spices, and caramelized onions, all layered with fragrant, parboiled Basmati rice. Enhanced with the subtle elegance of saffron-infused milk and a touch of rose water or kewra water, this dish captures the essence of Mughlai cuisine. Each bite offers a harmony of melt-in-the-mouth meat, perfectly spiced rice, and fresh herbs like mint and coriander. Sealed and slow-cooked on dum for ultimate flavor infusion, this biryani is a show-stopping centerpiece, best served with cooling raita or crisp salad. Indulge in the magic of this authentic mutton biryani recipe today!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Basmati rice
• 1 kilogram Mutton, bone-in
• 4 large Onions, thinly sliced
• 2 large Tomatoes, chopped
• 250 grams Yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Ginger garlic paste
• 4 Green chilies, slit
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 bunch Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 bunch Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 100 grams Ghee
• 50 milliliters Cooking oil
• 3 tablespoons Biryani masala
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 5 Cloves
• 5 Cardamom pods
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 pinch Saffron strands
• 4 tablespoons Warm milk
• 1 teaspoon Rose water or kewra water
• 1.5 liters Water

Directions

Step 1

Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in enough water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the mutton with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon biryani masala. Mix well to coat all the pieces. Let this marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is better).

Step 3

Heat the ghee and oil together in a large pan. Fry the sliced onions until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove half the onions for garnishing.

Step 4

To the remaining onions in the pan, add cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaves. Fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the marinated mutton to the pan and sauté on medium heat until the meat is browned and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the slit green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.

Step 7

Add 1 teaspoon biryani masala and half of the chopped coriander and mint leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 8

Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add drained rice and a touch of salt. Parboil the rice till it's 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in warm milk. Set aside.

Step 10

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, start layering: half of the cooked mutton, then half of the parboiled rice. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mint and coriander leaves, half of the fried onions, and a sprinkle of the saffron milk.

Step 11

Repeat with the remaining mutton and rice, finishing with a layer of saffron milk, mint, coriander, and fried onions.

Step 12

Drizzle rose water or kewra water over the top layer.

Step 13

Seal the pot with aluminum foil or dough, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes.

Step 14

Remove from heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Step 15

Gently mix the biryani using a fork to fluff and serve hot with raita or a salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4847.8 grams (4847.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5367

Total Fat 365.30g	468%
Saturated Fat 156.40g	782%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1056mg	352%
Sodium 6493mg	282%
Total Carbohydrate 304.20g	111%
Dietary Fiber 45.50g	163%
Total Sugars 70.90g
Protein 239.50g	479%

Vitamin D 144IU	721%
Calcium 1463mg	113%
Iron 55mg	304%
Potassium 7417mg	158%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.2%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 22.3%