Andhra Style Mutton Biryani

Ingredients:

    Basmati Rice   -  2 cups
    Onion     - 2 medium (sliced)
    Tomato  -  2 medium ( chopped)
    Ginger Garlic Paste -  1 tbsp
    Green chilli -   4 no.s(slit open)
    Mint leaves   -  2-3 tbsp (finely chopped)
    Cilantro/Coriander leaves -  1/4 cup (finely chopped)
    Green peas   -  1/2 cup (fresh or frozen - optional)
    Chilli powder  -   1/2 tsp or 1 tsp
    Salt      to taste
    Orange Food co:lour -   a generous pinch(optional)

For Marination:

    Mutton    -  1/2 kg(cut into small pieces)
    Yogurt/curd -   1-2 tbsp
    Ginger Garlic paste  -  1-2 tsp
    Turmeric powder -  1/4 tsp
    Biryani Masala powder   - 1 tsp (optional-can replace with Garam masala powder also)

To Temper:

    Oil  -  2-3 tbsp
    Fennel seeds  -  1/4 tsp
    Clove   -  5 no.s
    Cinnamon  -  2" stick
    Cardamom  -  4 no.s
    Bay leaf  -   1 big



Method:

    1.First wash mutton thoroughly drain excess water then marinate with the ingredients  "For Marination" and cover it and keep aside for at least 40-60 minutes.

    2.Wash and soak rice in water for at least 20-30 minutes.

    3.Heat oil in a skillet/pressure cooker/pan, add the tempering ingredients one by one then add onion, half of the mint leaves & cilantro sprinkle little salt and saute for 1-2 minutes.
      Then add ginger garlic paste and saute till the raw smell leaves.

    4.After that add green chilli & chopped tomato and saute till tomato turns soft n mushy.

    5. add the marinated mutton pieces, pour the yogurt, mix well and cook on a low flame for 3 whistles.    when the pressure goes off, remove the lid. You will be left with a thick gravy. How thick depends on your mutton. if you are left with lot of watery gravy, then evaporate it by cooking for some time

    6.Again switch on the stove now and add green peas and enough water to cook rice(ie. for 2 cup rice i always use 4 cups water, so to cook mutton have added 1 cup already and now add 3 cups water) and remaining half cilantro n mint leaves and allow it to boil.

    7.Once it starts boiling add soaked & drained rice and cook till rice done or u can pressure cook for 1 whistle.

    8.I usually cook without pressure, i cook in medium high heat till the 80% water drained, after that i turn the heat to low and then cover the vessel with clean kitchen towel then put the lid and cook for 6-7 minutes.

    That's it...Flavorful Mutton Biryani ready, Garnish with some finely chopped cilantro & fried onions.

tips:
some of you might be interested to know what kind of a pan I use for this biryani, I use a heavy bottom pressure pan .

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