🍚🐑 Lamb Biryani – Fragrant, Spicy, and Irresistibly Flavorful! 🌿🍽️
This aromatic, one-pot dish features tender lamb cooked with fragrant basmati rice, warm spices, and a touch of saffron—an unforgettable feast for the senses!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Lamb Marinade:
1️⃣ 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into cubes 🐑
2️⃣ 1 cup plain yogurt 🥛
3️⃣ 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 🧄🫚
4️⃣ 2 tsp ground coriander 🌿
5️⃣ 1 tsp ground cumin 🌿
6️⃣ 1 tsp ground turmeric 🟡
7️⃣ 1 tsp garam masala 🌶️
8️⃣ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
9️⃣ 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
🔟 Salt to taste 🧂
For the Biryani:
1️⃣1️⃣ 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil 🧈
1️⃣2️⃣ 1 large onion, thinly sliced 🧅
1️⃣3️⃣ 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1️⃣4️⃣ 1-inch piece ginger, grated 🫚
1️⃣5️⃣ 2 bay leaves 🌿
1️⃣6️⃣ 4-5 whole cloves 🌿
1️⃣7️⃣ 3-4 green cardamom pods 🌱
1️⃣8️⃣ 1 cinnamon stick 🌿
1️⃣9️⃣ 1.5 cups basmati rice 🍚
2️⃣0️⃣ 3 cups water or lamb broth 🥣
2️⃣1️⃣ 1/4 tsp saffron threads (optional)
2️⃣2️⃣ 1/4 cup milk (for saffron) 🥛
2️⃣3️⃣ Fresh cilantro, for garnish 🌿
2️⃣4️⃣ Fried onions (optional) 🍽️
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix lamb with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnish.
3️⃣ Add garlic, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4️⃣ Add the marinated lamb and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
5️⃣ Add rice, water or broth, and bring to a simmer. If using saffron, steep saffron threads in warm milk and add to the pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and lamb is cooked through.
6️⃣ Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
7️⃣ Garnish with fresh cilantro, fried onions (if using), and serve hot!
💡 Serving Tip: Pair with a side of raita (yogurt sauce), pickled vegetables, or naan for a complete Indian feast!