Mutton Dum Biryani Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey with the richly flavored and aromatic Mutton Dum Biryani, a timeless North Indian dish that blends succulent mutton with fragrant basmati rice and a medley of spices. The key to achieving the perfect dum biryani lies in the slow-cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that each grain of rice is infused with the delicious essence of the mutton and spices. Here’s a detailed recipe that will guide you through the preparation of this exquisite dish, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 8 |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (cloves) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies | 7 |
| Bay Leaves (tej patta) | 3 (2 for cooking, 1 torn) |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick | 3 (1 inch for cooking, 2 inch for layering) |
| Cloves (Laung) | 7 (3 for cooking, 4 for layering) |
| Basmati Rice (washed and soaked for 30 mins) | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mutton (curry cut) | 500 grams |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons (1 for marinade, 1 for layering) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon (1 for marinade, 1/4 for layering) |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina, chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Saffron Strands | A few |
| Sunflower Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 4 tablespoons |
| Whole Wheat Flour (for sealing the vessel) | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 650-700 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 70g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Preparation Time
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 30 minutes |
| Cooking | 60 minutes |
| Total | 90 minutes |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Cuisine and Course
| Cuisine | Course |
|---|---|
| North Indian Recipes | Lunch |
Diet Type
| Diet |
|---|
| Non-Vegetarian |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste
To begin crafting your Mutton Dum Biryani, the first step is to create a spice paste using ginger, garlic, and green chillies. In a mixer grinder, combine the chopped ginger, garlic cloves, and green chillies, blending them into a smooth paste. Set this aside for later use.
Step 2: Marinate the Mutton
Next, it’s time to marinate the mutton. Thoroughly wash the mutton pieces and place them into a mixing bowl. Add the hung curd (Greek yogurt), one tablespoon of the prepared ginger-garlic-chilli paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well to ensure the mutton is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least four hours, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Once the mutton is marinated, the next crucial step is to caramelize the onions. In a preheated pan, add the sunflower oil and sliced onions, sautéing them on low to medium heat until they turn a rich golden brown. This process requires patience, as high heat can lead to uneven caramelization. Once caramelized, set aside half of the onions for the biryani masala and reserve the other half for garnishing later.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the basmati rice. In a saucepan, combine four cups of water, the torn bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil and add the washed basmati rice. Cook for approximately three to four minutes until the rice is 75% cooked. Drain the excess water, and gently fold in a tablespoon of ghee to the rice, mixing it lightly. Cover the rice and set it aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Saffron Milk
To infuse the biryani with luxurious flavor, dissolve a few saffron strands in warm milk and set this aside.
Step 6: Make the Dough for Sealing
In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with water to create a firm dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest while you prepare the rest of the biryani.
Step 7: Assemble the Biryani
In a large biryani pot, heat two tablespoons of ghee. Once melted, add the whole spices: bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, mace, and black stone flower. Sauté for a few seconds until the aromas are released. Add the remaining ginger-garlic-chilli paste and sauté for about a minute.
Next, incorporate the red chilli powder and garam masala into the mixture, cooking it until the raw aroma dissipates. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt, sautéing until the tomatoes are soft and mushy. Once soft, stir in the caramelized onions, blending them well with the tomato mixture.
Now, add the marinated mutton along with the chopped mint leaves, stirring for about two to three minutes. Pour in half a cup of water and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the mutton simmer for approximately 40 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and the gravy thickens.
Step 8: Layer the Rice
After the mutton has cooked, carefully layer the partially cooked rice over the mutton gravy, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the saffron milk over the rice, then add a portion of the reserved caramelized onions and a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves.
Step 9: Seal and Cook on Dum
Lower the heat to the minimum setting. Cover the pot with a lid and seal it with the prepared dough to trap the steam inside. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 10: Serve the Biryani
After resting, break the dough seal and carefully open the lid. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork, taking care not to break the rice grains. Transfer the Mutton Dum Biryani to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved caramelized onions.
Serve the Mutton Dum Biryani hot alongside boondi raita, cucumber and onion raita, or mirch ka salan. For a truly festive experience, pair it with Traditional Shahi Tukda Recipe – Hyderabadi Double Ka Meetha for a delightful weekend meal or party.
Final Thoughts
Mutton Dum Biryani is not just a meal; it’s an experience, steeped in tradition and rich in flavor. This dish embodies the essence of Indian cuisine, where every bite tells a story. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a family dinner, this recipe promises to impress and delight your guests. Enjoy the art of slow cooking and the joy of sharing this exquisite dish with loved ones!
