Haji Mutton Biryani (Old Dhaka Style)

Haji Mutton Biryani (Old Dhaka Style)

Description: This iconic mutton biryani, originating from Haji's in Old Dhaka, is a minimalistic yet flavorful dish known for its tender meat and aromatic rice. The secret lies in the balance of spices and slow cooking technique.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton, cut into pieces
• 1 kg basmati rice
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 4-5 green chilies
• 4-5 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a large pot and fry onions until golden. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for a minute.
3. Add mutton, turmeric, salt, and yogurt. Cook until the meat is tender.
4. Cook the rice in a separate pot with a pinch of salt until 70% done. Drain.
5. Layer the rice over the mutton, adding fried onions and green chilies on top.
6. Cover the pot and cook on low heat (dum) for 25-30 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.