Mutton Dum Biryani Recipe: How to Make Authentic Royal-Style Biryani at Home

Mutton Dum Biryani Recipe: Learn how to prepare authentic Mutton Dum Biryani using the traditional slow-cooking method. Step-by-step recipe, ingredients, and expert tips for perfect biryani.

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: January 6, 2026

Mutton Dum Biryani remains one of India’s most iconic and beloved dishes, celebrated for its rich aroma, layered spices, and slow-cooked tenderness. Originating from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, this traditional biryani is prepared using the dum technique—where marinated mutton and partially cooked rice are sealed and cooked on low heat, allowing flavors to develop naturally.

Food experts say the key to an authentic Mutton Dum Biryani lies not in excessive spices but in patience, balance, and quality ingredients.

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What Makes Mutton Dum Biryani Unique

Unlike regular biryani preparations, Mutton Dum Biryani does not involve continuous stirring or pressure cooking. Instead, raw or semi-cooked marinated mutton is layered with rice and slow-cooked in a sealed pot. This technique helps retain moisture and intensify the natural flavors of meat and spices.

Culinary historians note that this cooking method was perfected during the Mughal era and later refined in Hyderabad.

Mutton Dum Biryani Recipe: Ingredients Required

For Marination

1. 1 kg mutton (bone-in, preferably leg or shoulder)
2. 1 cup thick yogurt
3. 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
4. Fried onions (birista)
5. Green chilies (slit)
6. Red chili powder, turmeric, and coriander powder
7. Garam masala
8. Lemon juice
9. Salt as required
10. Fresh mint and coriander leaves
11. Ghee or mustard oil

For Rice

1. Premium basmati rice (soaked)
2. Whole spices: cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon
3. Salt

For Dum Layering

1. Saffron-infused milk
2. Ghee
3. Fried onions
4. Mint leaves

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Marination Process: The mutton is thoroughly mixed with yogurt, spices, herbs, and oil. Chefs recommend marinating the meat for at least six to eight hours, preferably overnight, to ensure tenderness and depth of flavor.

Rice Preparation: Basmati rice is boiled with whole spices until it is 70 percent cooked. Overcooking at this stage can result in mushy biryani during dum.

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Layering Technique: In a heavy-bottomed vessel, marinated mutton is placed at the base. Rice is layered on top, followed by fried onions, mint, saffron milk, and ghee. To create several layers, the procedure can be repeated.
Dum Cooking: The pot is sealed tightly using dough or foil and cooked on low heat for 40–45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the meat juices and spices to infuse into the rice.

Expert Tips for Authentic Taste

1. Always use aged basmati rice for a better aroma
2. Avoid opening the lid during dum cooking
3. Cook on a low flame to prevent burning
4. Let the biryani rest before serving

How to Serve

Mutton Dum Biryani is best served hot with raita, mirchi ka salan, fresh salad, and lemon wedges. Food critics suggest minimal accompaniments to let the biryani remain the hero of the meal.

Why This Dish Continues to Trend

With food videos and traditional recipes gaining popularity on Google Discover and social platforms, Mutton Dum Biryani continues to trend as a symbol of Indian culinary pride. Its royal history, visual appeal, and rich flavors make it a consistent favorite among food enthusiasts.

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.