Mutton Biriyani Masala Recipe – How to make Mutton Biriyani Masala at Home
Mutton Biriyani is a rich and flavorful dish that has earned a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. The secret to an unforgettable Mutton Biriyani lies in its masala, a blend of aromatic spices that infuses the dish with its signature taste and aroma. Making Mutton Biriyani Masala at home allows you to enjoy this delectable dish with the freshest ingredients and the freedom to adjust the spices to your preference. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of making Mutton Biriyani Masala from scratch and show you how to use it to prepare an authentic and mouth-watering Mutton Biriyani.
Ingredients for Mutton Biriyani Masala
Whole Spices
- 4-5 Cloves
- 2-3 Cardamom Pods
- 1-2 Bay Leaves
- 1-2 Cinnamon Sticks (about 2 inches each)
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 Mace
- 1 tsp Black Peppercorns
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 1-2 Dry Red Chilies
Ground Spices
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
Additional Ingredients
- 2-3 tbsp Ghee or Oil
- 2 Onions, thinly sliced
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 cup Fresh Yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Making the Mutton Biriyani Masala
Step 1: Dry Roast the Whole Spices
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the whole spices: cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, mace, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and dry red chilies.
- Dry roast the spices for about 2-3 minutes until they release their aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 2: Grind the Spices
- Allow the roasted spices to cool slightly.
- Transfer them to a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
- Grind the spices into a fine powder. This is your homemade Mutton Biriyani Masala.
Step 3: Combine with Ground Spices
- In a bowl, mix the freshly ground spices with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder.
- Your Mutton Biriyani Masala is now ready to use.
How to Make Mutton Biriyani at Home
Ingredients for Mutton Biriyani
- 500g Mutton, cut into pieces
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 4 cups Water
- 1 Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 cup Fresh Yogurt
- 2 tbsp Ghee or Oil
- 2-3 Bay Leaves
- 4-5 Cloves
- 2-3 Cardamom Pods
- 1 Cinnamon Stick (2 inches)
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Coriander and Mint Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Fried Onions (for garnish)
- Saffron soaked in warm milk (optional)
Instructions for Cooking Mutton Biriyani
Step 1: Marinate the Mutton
- In a large bowl, combine the mutton pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Mutton Biriyani Masala.
- Mix well to coat the mutton evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cumin seeds.
- Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done. The grains should still be firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mutton
- Heat ghee or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and blend with the onions.
- Add the marinated mutton to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt to taste and enough water to cover the mutton. Cover the pot and let the mutton cook on low heat until it is tender. This may take about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 4: Layer the Biriyani
- Once the mutton is cooked, remove it from the heat.
- In a large biriyani pot, spread a layer of partially cooked rice.
- Add a layer of the mutton mixture on top of the rice.
- Repeat the layering process until all the rice and mutton are used up, finishing with a layer of rice on top.
- Drizzle the saffron-soaked milk over the rice, if using.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves, and fried onions.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Final Cooking)
- Cover the biriyani pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal it with dough to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the pot on a low flame or over a tawa (griddle) and cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to finish cooking.
Step 6: Serve the Mutton Biriyani
- Gently fluff the biriyani with a fork to mix the layers without breaking the rice grains.
- Serve hot, garnished with more fresh coriander and mint leaves, alongside raita, pickle, or a simple salad.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mutton Biriyani
- Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality basmati rice, fresh spices, and tender mutton for an authentic taste.
- Marination: Allow ample time for the mutton to marinate. This helps in tenderizing the meat and enhancing the flavor.
- Cooking Time: Be patient while cooking the mutton to ensure it is tender and absorbs the masala well.
- Dum Cooking: This slow cooking process is crucial for a flavorful and aromatic biriyani. Make sure to seal the pot properly to retain the steam.
Conclusion
Making Mutton Biriyani Masala at home and preparing the biriyani from scratch may seem like a labor-intensive process, but the end result is a rich, aromatic, and delicious dish that is well worth the effort. By following this detailed recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Mutton Biriyani in the comfort of your home. Impress your family and friends with this classic Indian delicacy, and savor the complex flavors and satisfying textures of a perfectly cooked Mutton Biriyani. Happy cooking!