Lucknowi Mutton Biryani Recipe – Royal Awadhi Dum Biryani
Make royal Lucknowi Mutton Biryani at home with this authentic Awadhi dum-style recipe. Aromatic basmati rice layered with slow-cooked, saffron-infused mutton. A feast fit for kings!
🍛 What is Lucknowi Mutton Biryani?
Lucknowi Mutton Biryani, also known as Awadhi Biryani, is a refined, royal rice dish originating from the kitchens of the Nawabs of Lucknow. Unlike the spicy Hyderabadi version, Lucknowi biryani is milder, more aromatic, and delicately spiced, where marinated mutton is slow-cooked and layered with fragrant basmati rice, saffron milk, and ghee, then dum-cooked for perfection.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Mutton Marinade:
- 500g mutton (bone-in pieces preferred)
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fried onions (birista)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves
- 3 green cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Dum (Layering):
- 2 tbsp saffron milk (few saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
- 1/4 cup fried onions
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 tbsp kewra or rose water (optional)
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves
🍽️ How to Make Lucknowi Mutton Biryani – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Marinate the Mutton
- In a bowl, mix mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, coriander, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and fried onions.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred for deep flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Mutton
- Add the marinated mutton to a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.
- Cook on medium heat until tender and oil separates. (Add a little water if using a regular pot.)
Step 3: Parboil the Rice
- Soak rice for 20 minutes.
- Boil water with whole spices and salt. Add rice and cook till 70–80% done. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Layer the Biryani
- In a heavy pot, layer cooked mutton at the bottom.
- Spread parboiled rice over the mutton.
- Drizzle saffron milk, ghee, fried onions, rose/kewra water, and fresh herbs.
Step 5: Dum Cooking
- Seal the pot with foil or dough and place a lid on top.
- Cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes or place on a hot tawa.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before opening and gently fluffing.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Lucknowi Mutton Biryani Recipe
- 🐐 Tender, slow-cooked mutton
- 🍚 Fragrant long-grain basmati rice
- 🧅 Melt-in-your-mouth birista (fried onions)
- 🧑🍳 Authentic dum cooking method
- 👑 Royal taste with subtle spices – perfect for celebrations
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with raita, onion salad, and mirchi ka salan
- Add sheer khurma or phirni for a complete Mughlai feast
- Ideal for festivals, Eid, or weekend family dinners
📝 Pro Tips for Perfect Biryani
- Marinate mutton overnight for deep flavor and tender texture
- Do not overcook the rice – 80% done is key for perfect dum
- Use a thick-bottomed pan or biryani handi to avoid burning
- Always rest the biryani after dum for best results
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