Mutton Biryani is by far the most famous dish in the world. which ever part of the world you live in, I am sure you have tasted or heard of it! But there are a million different varieties of biryani made throughout the world. but of all the varieties i have eaten/tasted this is by far Me and my family's absolute favorite! Mutton Biryani is a must dish in all our parties and weddings. Especially in our Madrasi weddings people discuss more about how the biryani tasted than what the bride wore! (lol) its like a bad biryani can literally spoil your entire day! So i guess you get an idea how important it is for us to get the perfect biryani recipe! This delicious biryani recipe is learnt from my lovely Ammi (mom-in-law), and according to me she makes the best (est) mutton biryani in the world! So here goes....
Garam masala - ( Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves) - 8 no.s each
Green Chilli - 10 nos.
Coraiander leaves - handful
Mint leaves - handful
lime (squeezed) - 2
Salt - 4 tsp (to taste)
Haldi - 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 4 tsp (to taste)
Ghee - 2 tbsp
Saffron - A pinch soaked in 1/2 cup warm milk
Method -
Mutton Akhni
Wash mutton, strain, keep aside.
Heat Oil , add the garam masala, saute for 2 mins, now add the sliced onions, saute till it turns golden brown.
Once the onions have turned golden brown, add the ginger and garlic paste, saute for 2 mins.
Now add the mutton, salt, haldi, red chilli powder, green chillies and mix well.
Next add the tomatoes, mint and coriander leaves, mix well and cook covered for 5 mins till tomatoes soften.
Add whipped yogurt, and mix well.
Close the lid, and leave it to cook for 40 - 45 mins on low heat. Occasionally mixing well.
Once mutton is tender , squeeze the juice of lime into it.
Remove from heat and Keep aside.
Rice
Soak rice an hour before you cook it.
Heat water in a big pot, once it comes to boil, add salt and 2 tbsp Oil.
Now add the rice to the boiling water. let it cook . (Do not cover it with a lid.)
Once the rice is 70% cooked. Strain it. And set aside.
Assembling
In a big vessel, pour half the mutton akhni, now add half the rice, then again add the mutton akhni , top it with all the leftover rice, pour the ghee and the saffron milk mixture.
Cover the vessel well with foil. then put the lid.
Now its ready to dum.
There are two ways to dum the biryani, you can follow which ever suits u.
Take an iron tawa and place the biryani vessel on it , keep this on low flame for 15- 20 mins. Occasionally rotating the vessel.
Or you can keep the biryani vessel inside the cooking range oven for 15 - 20 mins.
Once the biryani is done. Mix it well so that the masala in the rice is evenly spread out.
Mouth-watering Delicious Authentic Madrasi Mutton Biryani is Ready to be Served! Serve it piping hot with cold Raita and kachumber salad. ENJOY!