Mutton pulav

 

### Ingredients:

#### For the Mutton Marinade:

- 500 grams mutton (bone-in pieces preferred)

- 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)

- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

- 1 tsp red chili powder,cumin powder,coriander powder,pepper powder,biryani masala powder

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp garam masala powder

- Salt to taste

- Juice of half a lemon

- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)

#### For the Rice:

- 2 cups basmati rice

- 4 cups water

- 2-3 green cardamoms

- 4-5 cloves

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 small cinnamon stick

- Salt to taste

#### For Cooking:

- 3 tbsp ghee or oil

- 2 large onions, thinly sliced

- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

- 2-3 green chilies, slit (optional)

- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

- 1/2 tsp saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)

- Fried onions for garnish (optional)

- Water or stock as needed

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### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Marinate the Mutton

1. In a large bowl, combine the mutton pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt and other spices, and lemon juice.

2. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 1-2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

3. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to boil.

4. Add green and black cardamoms, cloves,fennel seeds,pepper balls,star anis, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds ,mace and salt.

5. Add the soaked rice and cook until it is 70-80% done (rice grains should still have a bite).

6. Drain the rice and set aside.

#### Step 3: Cook the Mutton

1. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies; cook until tomatoes soften.

4. Add the marinated mutton pieces and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes to brown the meat.

5. Reduce heat, cover, and cook the mutton until tender. You may add a little water or stock if necessary. (If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 20-25 minutes on medium heat after the first whistle).

#### Step 4: Layering the Pulao/Biryani

1. Once the mutton is tender and the gravy is thick, spread half of the cooked rice evenly over the mutton.

2. Sprinkle half of the chopped coriander, mint leaves, and some fried onions.

3. Layer the remaining rice on top.

4. Pour the saffron milk over the rice OR You can add food colouring as well.

5. Sprinkle the remaining coriander, mint, and fried onions. You can add some fried potatoes too.

Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.  Cook on very low heat for 20-25 minutes. You can place the pan on a tava (griddle) and put it on the stove to prevent direct heat.

3. After 25 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Serve with Raita.