Authentic Pakistani Mutton Biryani Recipe

Serves 6-8 | Prep: 1 hr | Marinate: Overnight | Cook: 2 hrs

"Mutton biryani is a slow symphony – where tough meat surrenders to spices through patience and steam."

🧂 Marination Ingredients

Marination Time: Minimum 8 hours (24 hours ideal)

🍚 Rice Ingredients

🔥 Layering & Dum Ingredients

*Saffron milk = ½ cup warm milk + 1 tsp saffron threads (crushed)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate Mutton (Night Before)

Mix all marinade ingredients → coat mutton thoroughly. Cover → refrigerate (⚠️ Papaya paste breaks down collagen).

2. Brown Mutton (20 mins)

Heat ¼ cup ghee in heavy pot → sear mutton on HIGH 5 mins/side until caramelized. Remove → set aside.

3. Build Masala (15 mins)

Same pot → add remaining ghee. Fry 1.5 cups fried onions → stir in marinated mutton. Cook 10 mins → add ½ cup water → cover → simmer 45 mins until meat is 80% tender. ⚠️ Add potatoes now if using.

4. Prepare Rice

Wash rice → soak 30 mins → drain. Boil water with whole spices → add rice → cook until 50% done (grain snaps when bent). Drain → spread on tray → sprinkle 2 tbsp ghee to prevent sticking.

5. Layering (The Art)

1. Base: Spread mutton masala + potatoes
2. Herb Layer: ½ mint + ½ coriander + green chilies
3. Onion Layer: ½ fried onions
4. Rice Layer: Cover with 50% rice
5. Perfume: Drizzle ½ saffron milk + kewra + rose water
6. Repeat: Herbs → onions → rice → saffron mix
7. Seal: Cover with foil + tight lid (dough seal for perfect dum)

6. Dum Cooking (Magic Steam)

Cook on LOW heat 35 mins → Turn off → rest 20 mins (⚠️ NO PEEKING - steam builds flavor). Pro Tip: Place tawa/griddle under pot for even heat.

🌟 Traditional Techniques

Mutton Mastery:

• Use shoulder cuts (fat marbling prevents dryness)
• Double sear: Before AND after marination for crust

Rice Perfection:

• Aged basmati only (new rice turns mushy)
• Vinegar soak: 1 tbsp in boiling water for pearly grains

Dum Secrets:

• Coal smoking: Place live coal in foil cup on biryani → add ghee → cover (adds smokiness)
• Weighted lid: Place heavy object on lid (e.g., mortar)

🍽️ Serving Ritual

Gently mix layers → garnish with:

• Reserved fried onions
• Fresh mint/coriander
• Edible silver leaf (optional)

Accompaniments:

• Mirchi ka salan (chili curry)
• Boondi raita
• Kachumber salad (cucumber-tomato-onion)

"Perfect mutton biryani reveals meat that falls off the bone but holds its dignity."

📜 Regional Variations

Leftover Hack:

• Biryani Omelette: Mix with eggs → pan-fry
• Biryani Paratha: Stuff in dough → griddle

Bookmark this recipe – your gateway to Eid feasts and wedding-worthy spreads! 🎉

Pairing:

• Drink: Thandai or salted lassi
• Dessert: Shahi tukda