Lamb Biryani
A regal and aromatic Mughal rice dish featuring tender lamb marinated in yogurt and spices, layered with fragrant basmati rice, saffron-infused milk, crispy fried onions, fresh mint, and ghee. The biryani is sealed and slow-cooked using the traditional 'dum' method for a truly immersive flavor experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb(bone-in, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 500 g Basmati rice(high quality, aged)
- 200 ml Full-fat yogurt(plain)
- 2 cups Fried onions (Birista)(store-bought or homemade, thinly sliced)
- 1 g Saffron threads(good quality)
- 60 ml Warm milk(lukewarm)
- 2 tbsp Garam masala(freshly ground preferred)
- 3 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste(freshly made or good quality store-bought)
- 100 g Ghee(clarified butter)
- 1 cup Fresh mint leaves(chopped)
- 4-5 pods Green cardamom pods(bruised)
- 3-4 pieces Cloves
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick(piece)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(optional, for marination)
- as needed Water
- as needed Dough (for sealing)(flour and water mixed to a stiff dough)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the lamb marinade: In a large bowl, combine the lamb pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, bruised cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, and lemon juice (if using). Add half of the fried onions. Mix thoroughly to ensure the lamb is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
⏱️ 15 minutes active, 2-4 hours marinating - 2
Prepare the rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in ample water for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it is about 70% done (al dente) – the grains should be partially cooked but still have a slight bite. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain the rice immediately and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes active, 30 minutes soaking - 3
Infuse saffron: Gently warm the milk (do not boil). Add the saffron threads to the warm milk and let it steep for at least 10-15 minutes to release its color and aroma.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Assemble the biryani: Choose a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Spread the marinated lamb mixture evenly at the bottom of the pot. Layer the par-cooked basmati rice over the lamb. Drizzle the saffron-infused milk evenly over the rice. Scatter the remaining fried onions and the chopped fresh mint leaves on top of the rice. Finally, dot the surface with small pieces of ghee.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Seal the pot: Prepare a stiff dough by mixing flour and water. Apply this dough around the rim of the pot and press the lid firmly onto it to create an airtight seal. This 'dum' method traps the steam and allows the biryani to cook in its own juices.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Cook the biryani: Place the sealed pot on the stove over very low heat. The heat should be so gentle that you can barely feel it. Cook for 45-60 minutes. If using an oven, preheat to 160°C (320°F) and bake for the same duration. The goal is to gently steam the rice and lamb until the lamb is tender and the rice is fully cooked and infused with flavors.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 7
Rest and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the heat (or oven). Let the biryani rest, undisturbed, for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to meld and the rice grains to separate. To serve, gently break the dough seal and lift the lid. Use a flat spoon to carefully scoop out the biryani, ensuring you get layers of both lamb and rice.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic seal, use a stiff dough made from flour and water. Ensure the lid is pressed down firmly to trap all the steam.
- ✓The 'dum' cooking requires extremely low heat. If your stove's lowest setting is too high, use a heat diffuser or place the pot on a tawa (griddle) over low heat.
- ✓Resist the temptation to open the pot during the 'dum' cooking process. Opening it will release the steam and affect the cooking.
- ✓Allowing the biryani to rest after cooking is as important as the cooking itself. It allows the flavors to settle and the rice to become fluffy.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a few drops of kewra water (pandan leaf extract) or rose water in the final layering stage.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Lucknowi Biryani: Known for its 'pakki' style where meat and rice are cooked separately before layering. It's generally lighter and more delicate in flavor.
- Kolkata Biryani: Often includes boiled eggs and potatoes (aloo) along with the meat, and has a distinct aroma from rose water and nutmeg.