Mutton Keema Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with minced mutton (keema) and fragrant spices. It is a delicious variation of biryani that is loved for its rich taste and tender meat. Here’s a recipe for Mutton Keema Biryani:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ready in: 2 hours
Ingredients: For the mutton keema:
- 500 grams minced mutton
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon biryani masala powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For layering:
- 1/4 cup milk
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional), soaked in the milk
- Fried onions for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% cooked (still slightly firm). Drain the rice and set aside.
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or pot. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add the minced mutton to the pan and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, biryani masala powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the mutton keema with the spices. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish or a deep oven-safe pan with ghee or oil. Layer half of the partially cooked rice at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread the cooked mutton keema evenly over the rice layer.
- Layer the remaining partially cooked rice over the mutton keema.
- Drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the rice. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.
- Remove from the oven and let the Mutton Keema Biryani rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fried onions and fresh mint leaves.
- Serve hot with raita (yogurt sauce) or a side salad.
Mutton Keema Biryani is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of minced mutton, aromatic spices, and fragrant rice. The tender and flavorful mutton keema layered