Authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani Recipe
Introduction of Authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani Recipe :
Awadhi cuisine, originating from Awadh, nowadays its of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India, is renowned for its rich flavors and exquisite taste. Among its many culinary delights, Awadhi Mutton Biryani holds a special place. This aromatic and flavourful dish combines tender mutton pieces marinated in a blend of spices with fragrant long-grain Basmati rice, creating a symphony of flavours that tantalize the taste buds. we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani Recipe:
For Marinating the Mutton:
- 750 grams mutton, cut into pieces
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup fried onions (birista)
For Rice:
- 3 cups Basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 4-5 cloves
- 2-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
For Biryani Layering:
- 1 cup chopped mint leaves
- 1 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- Saffron strands soaked in a small bowl warm milk
- Fried onions (birista) for garnish
Instructions for Preparing the Authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani Recipe :
Marinating the Mutton:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mutton pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt, lemon juice, and fried onions.
Mix well until all the mutton pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or if possible keep it overnight miranated, to allow the flavors to infuse.
Cooking the Rice:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
Add soaked long-grain rice along with green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, ghee, and salt.
Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done. It should be still have a slight bite to it.
Once cooked, drain the rice and set it aside.
Preparing Biryani Layering:
In a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep pan, spread a layer of marinated mutton at the bottom.
Sprinkle half of the chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves over the mutton layer.
Spread half of the partially cooked rice evenly over the mutton layer.
Drizzle some ghee over the rice layer.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining marinated mutton, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and rice.
Finally, drizzle saffron-infused milk over the rice layer.
Dum Cooking (Slow Cooking):
Seal the pot with aluminum foil, cotton cloth, muslin cloth or tight-fitting lid to trap the steam.
Place the pot on a tawa (griddle) or a flat pan over low heat.
Let the biryani cook on dum (slow cooking) for about 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the mutton to cook to perfection.
Garnishing and Serving:
Once done, remove the pot from the heat and carefully open the lid.
Garnish the biryani with fried onions (birista) and some chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with raita (yogurt dip) and salad on the side.
Tips:
Use good quality tender mutton for the best results.
Adjust the spice levels according to your taste of required.
For added flavor, you can add a few drops of rose water or kewra water during the marination process.
Make sure to soak the Basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure each grain cooks evenly and remains fluffy.
Be gentle while layering the biryani to avoid breaking the rice grains.
Conclusion:
Authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani Recipe is a labour of love that requires patience and attention to detail, but the end result is truly worth it. With its tantalizing aroma and burst of flavours, this royal dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion. Follow this recipe meticulously, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a culinary delight that transports you straight to the royal kitchens of Awadh. Enjoy the rich flavours and aromatic goodness of authentic Awadhi Mutton Biryani.
