Few dishes in the world can match the aroma, taste, and grandeur of mutton biryani. Known for its rich blend of spices, tender meat, and fragrant basmati rice, this dish is a true celebration of Indian and Mughlai culinary heritage. At Shalimar Phuket, we bring the magic of authentic mutton biryani to Thailand, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The story of mutton biryani dates back to the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire. It was believed to be created as a luxurious one-pot meal for soldiers and kings alike — full of flavor, nutrition, and warmth. Over time, each region of India added its own touch, giving rise to countless variations like the Hyderabadi mutton biryani and Lucknowi biryani.
Ingredients for Mutton Biryani
The secret to a perfect mutton biryani recipe lies in high-quality ingredients and patient cooking. Here’s what you’ll need to make it at home:
For the Mutton Marinade:
- 1 kg mutton (bone-in pieces preferred)
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves (chopped)
- 2 sliced green chilies
- Fried onions (for flavor and garnish)
Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 3–4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Assembling:
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk
- Additional fried onions, mint, and coriander for garnish
Step-by-Step Biryani Recipe
1. Marinate the Mutton
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, chopped herbs, and fried onions. Add the mutton pieces and coat them thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 3–4 hours (overnight for the best results).
2. Cook the Mutton
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan, add the marinated mutton, and cook on medium heat until the meat is tender and the gravy thickens. This step locks in all the spices and flavors.
3. Parboil the Rice
Boil basmati rice with whole spices and salt until it’s about 70% cooked. Drain the water and set it aside.
4. Layering the Biryani
In a large pot, layer the cooked mutton at the bottom, then add a layer of rice. Sprinkle saffron milk, fried onions, mint, and coriander. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
5. Dum Cooking (Steaming)
Seal the pot with a tight lid or dough and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes. This slow “dum” process allows the rice to absorb all the flavors of the spiced mutton gravy.
At Shalimar Phuket, our chefs use traditional dum-style cooking to achieve that perfect balance — where every grain of rice is infused with flavor, and the mutton melts in your mouth.
The Signature Flavor of Shalimar’s Mutton Biryani
What makes Shalimar Phuket’s mutton biryani so special is our attention to detail and authenticity. We use handpicked spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaf to create a symphony of aromas. Each batch is cooked fresh, ensuring that the rice remains fluffy, the mutton tender, and the taste unforgettable.
Our version draws inspiration from the Hyderabadi mutton biryani, famous for its layered cooking and fragrant saffron. If you’ve ever searched for “mutton biryani near me” while in Phuket, Shalimar is where your search ends.
Variations of Mutton Biryani
There are many ways to enjoy this dish — and each has its charm:
- Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani: Known for its rich spices and saffron aroma, cooked in layers using the dum method.
- Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani: Milder and more fragrant, using stock to cook the rice and meat separately.
- South Indian Mutton Biryani: Features coconut, curry leaves, and a spicier kick.
Our chefs masterfully combine these styles, creating a biryani that’s both traditional and unique.
FAQs
1. How to make mutton biryani?
Marinate mutton with spices, cook it with yogurt and herbs, layer with half-cooked rice, and steam (dum cook) until done.
2. How to prepare mutton biryani?
Preparation involves marinating, slow cooking, and layering rice and meat for a perfect blend of flavors.
3. How many calories in mutton biryani?
A serving of mutton biryani typically contains around 400–500 calories, depending on ingredients and portion size.
4. How to cook mutton biryani in Tamil?
In Tamil Nadu, mutton biryani is made with seeraga samba rice and local spices for a distinctive aroma and flavor.
5. How to make a mutton biryani in Tamil?
Follow traditional Tamil cooking methods — marinate the mutton with spices, cook in layers, and allow it to steam for perfect texture.