Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with tender mutton, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of spices. It’s a traditional dish from Hyderabad, India, known for its rich flavors and royal taste. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani:

Ingredients:

For Marinating Mutton:
– 1 kg mutton (goat or lamb, cut into medium pieces)
– 1 cup yogurt
– 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 3-4 green chilies (slit)
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1 tablespoon biryani masala powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves (a handful, chopped)
– Fresh mint leaves (a handful, chopped)
– 1/4 cup fried onions (birista)

For Cooking Rice:
– 3 cups basmati rice (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
– 4-5 cloves
– 2-3 green cardamoms
– 1-2 bay leaves
– 1-inch cinnamon stick
– 1 star anise
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt to taste
– Water

For Assembling Biryani:
– 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
– 1/2 cup fried onions (birista)
– Fresh coriander leaves (a handful, chopped)
– Fresh mint leaves (a handful, chopped)
– Saffron strands soaked in 1/4 cup warm milk (or a few drops of yellow food color)
– 1/4 cup ghee or oil
– 2 tablespoons rose water
– 1 tablespoon kewra water (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Mutton
a. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, biryani masala powder, and salt.

b. Add Herbs and Fried Onions: Add chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves, and fried onions to the marinade.

c. Marinate the Mutton: Add the mutton pieces to the marinade and mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for better flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice
a. Boil Water and Spices: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt, cloves, green cardamoms, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cumin seeds.

b. Cook the Rice: Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the boiling water. Cook until the rice is 60-70% cooked (the grains should still have a bite to them). Drain the rice in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Rice
a. Layering: In the same pot with the marinated mutton (or in a separate heavy-bottomed pot), start layering the biryani.

b. First, spread a layer of cooked rice over the mutton. Sprinkle some fried onions, chopped coriander, mint leaves, saffron milk, and ghee over the rice.

c. Final Touches: Drizzle rose water and kewra water over the top layer for added fragrance.

Step 4: Dum Cooking (Steaming)
a. Seal the Pot: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If the lid is not tight, seal it with dough made from flour or cover with aluminum foil to trap the steam.

b. Cook on Dum: Place a flat tawa (griddle) on medium heat and put the pot on the tawa. Cook for 30-40 minutes on low heat. This slow cooking method, known as “dum,” allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve the Biryani
a. Mix Gently: Once done, turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes. Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the layers without breaking the rice grains.

b. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional fried onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves. Serve hot with raita, mirchi ka salan, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani:

– Use Good Quality Basmati Rice: Aged basmati rice has a better aroma and flavor, making it ideal for biryani.
– Marinate the Mutton Well: Marinating the mutton for a longer time ensures that it absorbs all the flavors and becomes tender.
– Cook Rice to the Right Consistency: Parboiling the rice is crucial. Overcooked rice will result in a mushy biryani.
– Seal the Pot Properly: Sealing the pot ensures the biryani cooks in its own steam, making it flavorful and aromatic.
– Use Fresh Herbs and Spices: Fresh coriander, mint, and whole spices add a burst of flavor and aroma to the biryani.

Enjoy your delicious Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani with your family and friends!